An independent report published on Thursday claims that Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm once fully operational, will boost the UK economy by £6.1 billion during its lifetime and support thousands of UK jobs over the next three decades.

Dogger Bank is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).

Perth-based SSE Renewables is leading on the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.

The report, written by economic consultants BVG Associates, finds the £6.1 billion GDP contribution will be driven by significant investment in UK companies, jobs and skills during the lifecycle of Dogger Bank.

“At 3.6GW, Dogger Bank will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm when fully operational and will be capable of generating enough power for around 6 million UK homes each year,” said SSE.

“Already, the project is beginning to generate homegrown renewable energy from initial commissioning at its first phase, which is being transmitted along subsea high voltage transmission cables for use by UK consumers.

“The economic impact report was commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s equity partners SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn who are currently constructing the offshore wind farm in three 1.2GW phases at adjoining sites in the North Sea more than 130km from the Yorkshire Coast.

“Direct spend with companies in the North-East of England and in the counties of North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire is expected to total over £3 billion, with hundreds of jobs supported in these regions. To date this has included jobs in companies such as Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.

“With the project beginning to generate from initial commissioning at its first phase, full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported across the UK by Dogger Bank are expected to reach 3,600 over 2025. 1,500 of these jobs will be in the North-East of England and North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director, Olly Cass, said: “Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching.

“The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.

“BVGA’s report also gives us a chance to reflect on important lessons learned, so we can use Dogger Bank as the springboard for future economic growth in the UK in our development of critical energy infrastructure.”

Alun Roberts, Director of Economics, BVG Associates, said: “Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained through the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”