Dogger Bank developers challenge UK consent for rival offshore wind project

SSE, Equinor and Vargronn have applied to the UK courts for a judicial review of the development consent order granted to RWE and Masdar for their Dogger Bank South offshore wind project, per Renews.biz. The three developers, who together operate the existing Dogger Bank A, B and C phases, are challenging the Energy Secretary's decision to issue that permit.

Judicial review targets the lawfulness of the consent decision, not its commercial merits. If the application is accepted and succeeds, it could suspend or quash the consent order for Dogger Bank South. No timeline for a hearing has been published.

The dispute marks a significant regulatory flashpoint in the North Sea. Both project groups are anchored in the same named development zone, and the consent decision for the RWE-Masdar scheme appears to be the trigger. The case will be one to watch for anyone tracking UK offshore wind permitting risk.