INNOVATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT
Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be the world’s largest offshore windfarm upon completion. At 3.6GW, this will provide enough electricity to power 5% of UK demand. The project construction commenced in 2022, with the first foundations installed. At this important stage in the project, Equinor, Operator of the wind farm for its expected 35-year lifetime, is engaging with the supply chain early, in order to prepare for the operations and maintenance phase of the wind farm.
On behalf of the joint venture partners SSE Renewables and Eni Plenitude, Equinor implemented a series of innovative supply chain activities. The events focused on key themes to develop the future supply chain and workforce for offshore wind in the region, including innovation and skills.
The Dogger Bank team worked with north-east based business development organisation NOF to deliver the events. Fully funded to be accessible to all size of suppliers from SME to Tier 1, the events took place throughout the year both online and in person.
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Joanne Leng MBE, Chief Executive of NOF, said:
“The UK, and in particular, north-east England has a world-class offshore wind supply chain, which can apply its extensive experience and technology-led solutions to support the operations and maintenance phase of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. This landmark renewables project will also present opportunities for companies yet to join the energy transition, which can diversify their skills, products and services into the offshore wind market.
“We are exceptionally proud to continue our partnership with Dogger Bank Wind Farm with this series of events, which will help build long-term and collaborative relationships between the wind farm operations team and supply chain companies, delivering mutual benefits and ensuring this region continues to make a positive contribution to net zero.”
Equinor Supply Chain Team join the O&M Team at the 'Meet The Buyer' event
Ahead of the construction phase of the project the team also worked with NOF to deliver a series of ‘meet the buyer’ events to help prepare the supply chain for opportunities to get involved, by connecting all 10 Tier 1 suppliers with the local and UK supply chains. The project is proud to be working with a number of local suppliers following these activities, including South Tyneside based Metec UK and Darlington based Tekmar Energy. The ‘meet the buyer’ events provided an opportunity to make project specific connections and learn about the scopes required to support these contract wins. To date, 2,000 UK roles have been created or supported in relation to the construction and operation of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Mark Halliday, Dogger Bank Operations Director said:
“We are delighted to be continuing our work with NOF to connect the wider supply chain with our Tier 1 suppliers and provide awareness of the opportunities available during the operations and maintenance phase of the wind farm. Dogger Bank will be operational for 35 years and we will rely on the supply chain to provide key products and services, bring new technologies and innovations to the project and help develop the workforce of the future. We look forward to engaging with the industry and providing opportunities to be part of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
The final event in the series provided an opportunity to focus on innovation with the local supply chain, targeting a future perceived gap around Robotics. Bringing together industry partners including Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Energi Coast, this workshop allowed early engagement around this technology to support development of local solutions, furthering the development of the North East supply chain ahead of operations.
Supply Chain Dinner with Energi Coast and local Supply Chain