Powering Our Future: Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s £80k "Green Dividend" for East Yorkshire

The Liberal Democrats have long championed the transition to a zero-carbon economy, but we believe it must be a "Fair Deal" for the people who host our nation's energy infrastructure. The latest news from the Yorkshire coast is a shining example of how green energy can empower local people: the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, the world's largest, has announced a new £80,000 community funding pot for projects near Bridlington and across East Riding. 

​As a party committed to decentralising power and ensuring the "Green Industrial Revolution" benefits everyone, we welcome this investment into our local social fabric.

​Putting Communities at the Heart of Net Zero
​Liberal Democrats believe that local communities should be at the heart of our green future, ensuring that the wealth generated by our natural resources stays in our villages and towns.

​Local organisations with a formal constitution are invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000. These funds are earmarked for projects that:

​Promote community spirit and encourage local activity.

​Contribute to vibrant, healthy, and sustainable neighbourhoods.

​Enhance local safety, such as installing solar-powered village lighting.

​"The Liberal Democrats are stepping up where others row back. Clean energy, community resilience, and climate justice aren’t negotiable, they’re overdue. We must ensure this transition is affordable, equitable, and creates opportunities for communities and workers." — Pippa Heylings MP Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero.

​A Fairer, Greener Partnership
​Located 130km off the Yorkshire coast, Dogger Bank is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn. Once fully completed, it will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately six million UK homes.

​While the Conservatives and Reform have all but promised to abandon green infrastructure and Labour focuses on top-down control, Liberal Democrats advocate for a partnership model. We believe that if a community hosts the infrastructure for our national energy security, they deserve a direct benefit. This is reflected in our policy of guaranteeing that community benefit funds receive a "fair share" of renewable wealth.

​Kay Doragh, community investment manager, noted the tangible impact of these grants: "From helping young people find their first career steps to installing solar lighting for village safety, these grants make a difference."

​How to Apply: Secure Funding for Your Project
​The £80,000 Operator Fund is a core pillar of Dogger Bank’s wider £25 million community fund, designed to support coastal communities throughout the wind farm's operational lifespan. We encourage all eligible groups in East Yorkshire to seize this opportunity.


​Grant Amount: Up to £1,000.

​Focus: Sustainability, community spirit, and quality of life.

​Apply here: 

"This fund offers transformative support for small community groups across our rural areas. It serves as a prime example of the power of partnership and the tangible benefits of green energy. I strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply.” Cllr Mike Heslop-Mullens

​The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for decarbonising our power system by 2030 while ensuring that the benefits of offshore wind are felt directly in the pockets and pockets of our local communities.

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