windfarm
The windfarm located 75 miles off the Yorkshire coast will be capable of powering more than one million UK homes Getty

The world's largest offshore windfarm, which has the potential to power more than one million homes, is set to be built off the north-east Lincolnshire coast. Hornsea One has been given the go-ahead after DONG Energy confirmed a final investment decision on the offshore farm to be located around 75 miles (120 km) off the coast of Grimsby.

Hornsea One, which the department of Energy and Climate Change said will be the world's largest offshore wind farm "by some distance", will cover around 160 square miles at a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts. The project, which is expected to be completed by 2020, could create around 2,000 jobs during its construction, with an additional 300 jobs supported throughout its 20 to 25-year operational phase, according to DONG energy.

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 groundbreaking and innovative, powering more homes than any offshore windfarm currently in operation."

"We are making a major financial investment to construct this giant windfarm and this underlines our commitment to the UK market. Hornsea Project One will support the supply chain and help create local jobs."

Energy Secretary 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."

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