As part of the country’s transition to net zero energy, Boston Energy helped the world’s largest offshore wind farm generate its first power.
Dogger Bank’s turbine manufacturer, GE Vernova, is using Boston Energy to oversee the project’s onshore commissioning and completion as well as the offshore mechanical and electrical (M&E) completion.
As the world’s largest wind farm when it’s fully operational, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will provide electricity to up to six million homes in the UK.
With the first 277 turbines installed at Dogger Bank, the first power was generated in early October. An average turbine can produce enough electricity to power a home for two days with each rotation.
Each phase will have 1.2GW of installed generation capacity based on GE Vernova’s Haliade-X wind turbine platform and is located between 130km and 190km off the North East coast of England.
The installation program will be supported by major multimillion-pound contracts awarded to Boston Energy, the largest single award in the offshore wind sector for technical manpower services and cementing Boston Energy’s position as an industry leader.
Approximately 190 highly skilled in-house and UK-based individuals will work on the project at full scope.
Nathan Fahey, Project Director at GE Vernova, said: “We have been working with Boston Energy since the contract award for offshore commissioning of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm and I’m really pleased to have them as a trusted partner as we move into the operational phase of the project.
“I trust the team will deliver the expected results, at the quality and execution standards we want to provide to our customer.
“We look forward to working with Boston Energy to help us deliver this fantastic project utilising our Haliade-X turbines. Delivering this project will significantly enhance the UK’s net zero ambitions and help make a substantial dent in CO2 emissions.”
Boston Energy provides commissioning supervisors and technicians, vessel administrators, mechanical and electrical technicians, and rope access technicians for Dogger Bank.
In the North East and Teesside region, Boston Energy employs more than 50 onshore workers and 90 offshore workers – plus a seven-person office team.
In the global wind industry, Boston Energy has provided quality services to both onshore and offshore wind companies since 2012. With experienced teams working in a one-team environment, Boston Energy provides on-time, in-depth support to reduce turbine downtime and maximize efficiency.
Boston Energy already offers a wide range of services, including pre-assembly, construction and commissioning, service and maintenance, major corrective, blade maintenance, and technical training, but it continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of clients. Recently, heavy lift (MCE ) and high voltage have been added.
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm is Boston Energy’s latest project, after successfully delivering over 100 projects in the UK, Europe, North America, and Taiwan in that time.
Julian Cattermole, CEO of Boston Energy, said: “We’re thrilled that GE Vernova have entrusted us to deliver the onshore and offshore commissioning of this truly exciting, and transformative project.
“GE has recognised that Boston Energy has a very strong track record of delivering exceptional quality on its projects as well as ensuring it delivers to budget and to the highest safety and environmental standards.
“We now need to get on and deliver to those same exacting standards that GE Vernova expects.”
With GE Vernova’s support, Boston Energy is expanding the opportunities for local technicians in the North East to progress in the wind industry and join this remarkable project.
To demonstrate its commitment to local content, Boston Energy has employed 80 per cent of its offshore team and 85 per cent of its onshore team from the North East, supporting clean energy jobs in the region.
As well as providing local technicians to the Dogger Bank project, Boston Energy is providing further opportunities for the local community at its newly-opened, on-site office, having already employed a local team supporting the Dogger Bank operations, with plans to expand further as the project develops.
The project comes at an exciting time for Boston Energy, as leading private equity investor LDC has made a significant investment in the company as it targets further international expansion, helping to respond to the growing demand for services at pace and increasing investment in technicians.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%) with SSE Renewables leading on the development and construction, while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion, for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
Simon Bailey, Dogger Bank Wind Farm Commercial Director for SSE, said: “It’s great to see another key contractor creating job opportunities to support the construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
“Construction and commissioning of turbine technology is a critical element of our programme that will help us to steadily ramp up to full operating capacity of 3.6GW by 2026.”
The Dogger Bank project is due to be completed in 2026 and Boston Energy is looking forward to working closely with GE Vernova throughout the next three years and beyond.