There is always mixed feeling when discussing the pros and cons of wind energy and in the UK it’s had its fair share of debate.

Whatever your view news last month confirmed that the North East of England will house the largest offshore wind farm in the world when the Dong Energy Hornsea project is complete.

The multi billion pound project will occupy more than 400 square kilometres, will be situated about 120km off the Yorkshire coast and is it’s anticipated it will power more than a million homes.

The project will not only provide clean energy but will also create jobs and more financial security. It is expected the project will create around 2000 jobs during construction with up to 300 further jobs once operational.

Talking to The Guardian, Brent Cheshire, Chief Executive of Dong Energy in the UK said “We are making a major financial investment to construct this giant wind farm and this underlines our commitment to the UK market. Hornsea Project One will support the supply chain and help create local jobs. ”

“To have the world’s biggest ever offshore wind farm located off the Yorkshire coast is hugely significant, and highlights the vital role offshore wind will play in the UK’s need for new low-carbon energy.”

10 years in the planning, Hornsea One will use 7 megawatt wind turbines standing at 190 metres tall. It will result in the longest ever AC electrical system in the world using more than 900 kilometres of cable. Siemens turbine production facilities in Hull will support the project and UK infrastructure company Balfour Beatty have been selected for the construction of the onshore substation. Hornsea One is expected to be fully operational by 2020.

Offshore wind farming is more problematic than onshore because it needs bigger turbines and requires higher levels of maintenance. Installation costs are also much higher than that of onshore wind farms. However, local objections to onshore wind farms has resulted in the government favouring offshore wind energy and installing more of them than any other country, although closely followed by Germany

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