Dogger Bank: Proposal for power substation near Cottingham which would connect to 'world's largest offshore wind farm'

The facility, at Birkhill Wood, north of Cottingham, is proposed for an area of just over three hectares – about the size of four football pitches. It would link part of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, to the national grid.

Meanwhile, the existing Creyke Beck substation, on a site nearby, would be expanded in order to connect it to the Hornsea Four offshore wind farm, which is being developed by Orsted.

The new Birkhill Wood substation would be on a site to the north-west of Creyke Beck, with around 700 metres (3,000ft) between them. Seven sites were looked at by the National Grid, with Birkhill Wood being deemed the most suitable. Equipment there would be up to 13 metres high.

Planning applications for Birkhill Wood and Creyke Beck are due to be submitted to East Riding Council later this year. Locations for potential cable corridors, which would link Birkhill Wood to other onshore infrastructure, will also be considered, with local residents due to be consulted, also later this year.

Dogger Bank D is the fourth phase of a huge wind farm being built more than 70 miles off the Yorkshire coast by SSE Renewables and Equinor. When fully operational in 2026, it is expected to provide enough power for six million homes.

The 400kV Birkhill Wood substation would be part of the “Great Grid Upgrade” – the National Grid’s plan to overhaul Britain’s power network.

Confirmation of the substation plan has been welcomed by Rob Cussions, the Dogger Bank project manager,.

He said: “Dogger Bank D promises to build on the legacy we’re creating through the earlier phases of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, during which we are working hard to deliver safe and respectful construction both offshore and onshore, as well as generating socio-economic value for current and future generations.

“We look forward to continuing these high standards for project development and working with our stakeholders to plan and deliver a sustainable and secure energy system.”