SSE Renewables, alongside Norwegian energy giant Equinor, has decided to discontinue the development of green hydrogen production during the fourth phase of their Dogger Bank project in the North Sea, pivoting their focus entirely towards electricity generation from what is poised to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
This strategic shift was announced following the confirmation of a grid connection point for Dogger Bank D by the UK’s Electricity System Operator (ESO). The phase, capable of generating up to 2 GW, is slated for connection to a new 400-kV substation in East Riding of Yorkshire, a key component of National Grid’s network expansion efforts.
The decision to focus solely on electricity generation comes after the prospect of a hybrid interconnection with an unspecified European electricity market was considered. The initial plan to integrate green hydrogen production into this phase of Dogger Bank has been officially set aside.
In the lead-up to this decision, at the close of 2023, SSE Renewables and Equinor had engaged the services of engineering consultancies such as Genesis, H2GO Power, and Fichtner to explore the feasibility and optimization of a potential large-scale green hydrogen operation.
Dogger Bank D is envisioned to stand approximately 210 km (130 miles) off the northeast coast of England, marking a significant step in the region’s transition to renewable energy sources, despite the shift away from hydrogen production in this phase.
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