Dogger Bank : a geo challenge

The Dogger Bank zone is the largest of the Round 3 offshore wind zones extending over ~8660km2. It is located between 125km and 290km northeast of Yorkshire on the Dogger Bank, a topographic high point in the middle of the North Sea, with water depths of 18–63m. The sheer size of this zone is considerably greater than that of standard shallow-water oil and gas site investigations, leading to the generation of extremely large data volumes to manage, interpret and move between partners. This paper outlines the methodologies that Forewind, a consortium of energy companies, is utilising to prepare for the zone's development. This includes activities undertaken to date to develop a 3D model of the geology, stratigraphy and geotechnical conditions to assist in optimal selection of wind turbine foundations, both location and type. Survey programmes and preliminary results also are presented and discussed, illustrating experiences with ultra-high resolution multichannel sparker, shallow gas, glacial tectonics and fractured clays.