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DONG Energy will build the giant Hornsea Project One offshore wind farm, capable of powering well over 1 million UK homes, off the Yorkshire coast after taking a final investment decision today.

With a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW), Hornsea Project One will be the world’s first offshore wind farm to exceed 1 GW in capacity and will become – by a considerable margin – the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy UK’s Country Chairman, said:

“Hornsea Project One is a world-leading infrastructure project being built right here in the UK. It is ground-breaking and innovative, powering more homes than any offshore wind farm currently in operation.

“We are making a major financial investment to construct this giant wind farm and this underlines our commitment to the UK 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 UK’s need for new low-carbon energy.”

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd said:

“Thanks to Government support the UK is the world leader in offshore wind energy and this success story is going from strength to strength. DONG Energy’s investment shows that we are open for business and is a vote of confidence in the UK and in our plan to tackle the legacy of under-investment and build an energy infrastructure fit for the 21st century.

“This project means secure, clean energy for the country, jobs and financial security for working people and their families, and more skills and growth boosting the Northern Powerhouse”.

Once completed, Hornsea Project One will be able to meet the electricity needs of well over 1 million UK homes. It will be located 120 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast – further than the distance from Leeds to Liverpool.

The project has the potential to create around 2,000 jobs during its construction phase with up to 300 additional jobs supported directly and indirectly throughout its operational phase.

Hornsea Project One will span a huge area of approximately 407 square kilometres, which is over five times the size of the city of Hull. The offshore wind farm will use 7 megawatt (MW) wind turbines, with each one 190 metres tall – larger than the Gherkin building in London.

Siemens has been named preferred supplier for the 7 MW wind turbines and the new Siemens turbine production facilities in Hull will support the project. A £25 million contract has also been awarded to UK infrastructure company Balfour Beatty for the construction of the onshore substation, underlining DONG Energy’s positive impact on the UK supply chain.

Brent Cheshire added:

“This is a historic milestone for Hornsea Project One as we are now making a firm and final commitment to invest fully in the project. Almost a decade on from initial planning, and following years of vital development work from a number of different companies in the supply chain, we are now ready to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”