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Plans to build the world’s biggest offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire have been given the green light by new business secretary Greg Clark.

The Hornsea Project Two offshore windfarm will provide up to 1,800 megawatts of low carbon electricity to around 1.6 million UK homes once operational.

It could create up to 1,960 construction jobs and 580 operational and maintenance jobs. If built to the full capacity, the investment would total about £6bn.

Clark said: “The UK’s offshore wind industry has grown at an extraordinary rate over the last few years, and is a fundamental part of our plans to build a clean, affordable, secure energy system.

“Britain is a global leader in offshore wind, and we’re determined to be one of the leading destinations for investment in renewable energy, which means jobs and economic growth right across the country.”

Located approximately 89km off the Yorkshire coast, the proposed windfarm will comprise up to 300 wind turbines and connect to the grid at North Killingholme in North Lincolnshire.

DONG Energy is behind the huge project.

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy’s UK country chairman, said: “Development consent for Hornsea Project Two is very welcome. We have already invested £6bn in the UK, and Hornsea Project Two provides us with another exciting development opportunity in offshore wind.

“Hornsea Project Two is a huge potential infrastructure project which could provide enough green energy to power 1.6 million UK homes. A project of this size will help in our efforts to continue reducing the cost of electricity from offshore wind and shows our commitment to investing in the UK.”