Dogger Bank Wind Farm has announced a new £25 million investment to support coastal communities in the North and North East of England.
This funding will be allocated over the wind farm’s 35-year operational lifespan, with a focus on enhancing education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to equip young people with skills for a net zero future.
This commitment follows the £1 million community fund established during the construction phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
The initial fund has supported over 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships and issued 87 grants to local community groups.
Situated more than 130 kilometres from the Yorkshire coast, Dogger Bank Wind Farm is set to generate enough renewable energy to power six million UK homes annually.
The project, a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn, produced its first power in October 2023.
The £25 million investment will include an expansion of the current scholarship programme, offering 30 scholarships annually for students pursuing STEM subjects.
Additionally, 50% of the wind farm’s rental payments to the Crown Estate will support the Coastal Communities Fund, contributing potentially tens of millions of pounds to coastal community development.
