RWE and Masdar have achieved a progress in the development of the Dogger Bank South (DBS) Offshore Wind Farms, located over 100 kilometers off the northeast coast of England. The UK Planning Inspectorate has accepted their Development Consent Order (DCO) application, marking the beginning of the examination phase.
The DBS East and DBS West projects aim to provide electricity for up to three million typical UK homes. This acceptance moves the projects into the pre-examination phase, where they will undergo public scrutiny later in 2024.
Combined, the two projects will feature up to 200 turbines with a total capacity estimated at three gigawatts. RWE and Masdar plan to invest significantly during development and construction, projecting an economic contribution of nearly £1 billion to the UK economy, including £400 million in the Humber region.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, expressed excitement about reaching this pivotal stage, emphasizing their joint commitment with Masdar to advance the UK’s renewable energy agenda and stimulate economic growth. He credited the acceptance of the DCO application to the dedication of their teams and looked forward to progressing through subsequent phases.
Husain Al Meer, Director of Global Offshore Wind at Masdar, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strategic importance of the UK market in their offshore wind portfolio. He emphasized Masdar’s commitment to sustainable energy development that fosters economic growth and job creation.
RWE will lead the development, construction, and operation of the DBS projects on behalf of the partnership, with RWE holding a 51% share and Masdar holding 49%. The projects, which secured Agreements for Lease with The Crown Estate in January 2023 and saw Masdar acquire its stake in December 2023, are integral to supporting the UK’s net zero goals and enhancing energy security.
