Government gives consent for world’s largest offshore windfarm Hornsea Project Two

Hornsea Project Two, the world’s largest offshore windfarm, has received development consent from Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark.

Located approximately 89km off the Yorkshire coast, the windfarm will be able to deliver up to 1,800 megawatts of low carbon electricity to around 1.8 million UK homes.

In addition, the windfarm is also set to create up to 1,960 construction jobs and 580 operational and maintenance jobs.

If built to the full capacity, the investment would total around £6bn, triggering a significant economic boost in the Humber region and beyond.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg 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.”

The windfarm, which is being developed by SMartWind - owned by DONG Energy, will comprise up to 300 wind turbines and will connect to the grid at North Killingholme in North Lincolnshire.

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy’s UK Country Chairman, added: “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.

“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.”