The government has given development consent to the world’s largest offshore windfarm, Hornsea Project Two.

The windfarm, located off the Yorkshire coast will have a capacity of around 1.8GW and will consist of up to 300 turbines.

The Dong Energy owned project is being developed by Smart Wind, and was approved by business and energy secretary Greg Clark today (16 August). The consent covers the entire project including the turbines, foundations, offshore and onshore substations, array cables and export cables.

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.”

Dong Energy UK country chairman Brent Cheshire said: “Development consent for Hornsea Project Two is very welcome. We have already invested £6 billion 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.”

The Crown Estate director of energy, minerals and infrastructure Huub den Rooijen said: “Offshore wind is already on course to meet 10% of the UK’s electricity demand by 2020.

“Major developments of Hornsea Project Two’s scale will pave the way for its continued growth alongside driving down costs, creating high value jobs, and supporting the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy supply.”

RenewableUK chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “Today’s announcement is the latest vote of confidence in the UK’s world-beating offshore wind market. This huge infrastructure project will provide much-needed investment and energy security for our country.

“Offshore wind represents a massive economic opportunity to the UK and our coastal regions. It is creating new jobs and regenerating local communities”.