World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm to Be Built in U.K.

The U.K. wind energy industry received a boost this week with the announcement of the world’s biggest offshore wind farm, to be built off the northeast coast.

Dong Energy said its multi-billion pound Hornsea project, which is expected to power as many as 1 million homes in the region when complete, will occupy more than 400 square kilometers, situated about 120km off the Yorkshire coast.

The company, which has already put £6 billon into wind power in the U.K., said this was its largest investment in offshore wind to date.  Dong, Denmark’s state-backed energy utility, told the Guardian it expected to invest another £6 billion in the U.K. by 2020, in a boost to the beleaguered wind industry.

Brent Cheshire, chief executive of Dong Energy in the U.K., said: “We are making a major financial investment to construct this giant wind farm and this underlines our commitment to the U.K. market.  Hornsea Project One will support the supply chain and help create local jobs.

“To have the world’s biggest ever offshore wind farm located off the Yorkshire coast is hugely significant, and highlights the vital role offshore wind will play in the U.K.’s need for new low-carbon energy."

Amber Rudd, secretary of state for energy and climate change, said: “The U.K. is the world leader in offshore wind energy and this success story is going from strength to strength.  The investment shows that we are open for business and is a vote of confidence in the U.K. and our plan to tackle the legacy of under investment and build an energy infrastructure fit for the twenty first century."

An estimated 2,000 jobs will be created for the construction of the project, with a further 300 jobs likely to be created for its operation.

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