The UK Department of Energy has approved plans for the construction of the massive 1.2 GW Hornsea Project One offshore wind farm, the first step in the development of a 500-square kilometre wind energy zone off the coast of Yorkshire.
Hornsea Project One is being developed by SMartWind– a consortium of Mainstream Renewable Power and Siemens Financial Services – and DONG Energy. Upon completion in 2020, it will generate enough electricity to power 800,000 homes on the British mainland.
Andy Kinsella, Mainstream Renewable Power’s Chief Operating Officer, said “SMartWind are delighted with the grant of the Development Consent Order (DCO) following a robust examination from the Planning Inspectorate.Hornsea Project One is part of the essential new infrastructure that has driven major investment in the Humber economy and ensures a low carbon future for the area.”
The development of the 4GW Hornsea Wind Farm Zone, situated 120km off the Yorkshire coast, will take place in two phases. Project One will consist of three wind farms containing approximately 332 wind turbines. SMart Wind is proposing to transmit the electricity generated via buried, High Voltage (HV) cables using either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). Construction of the project is expected to create 2,500 jobs.
Project Two, which is still under consideration by the UK’s Planning Inspectorate, will have a rated capacity of 1.8 GW and may contain up to 360 wind turbines. The consortium has ensured enough land has been secured for two high voltage-direct current (HVDC) converter substations required to connect both Project One and Project Two.
Department of Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the planning decision would provide up to 2,500 local green jobs and proved the UK was the best place in the world to invest in offshore wind.
“Making the most of Britain’s home grown energy is crucial to creating job and business opportunities in the UK, getting the best deal for consumers and reducing our reliance on foreign imports. Wind power is vital to this plan, with £14.5 billion invested since 2010 into an industry which supports 35,400 jobs,” he said.
