By World’s biggest offshore wind farm in Hornsea generates first power
The world’s biggest offshore wind farm Hornsea Two generated its first electricity as it takes another step to becoming fully operational.
Headed by Ørsted, Hornsea Two, which is looking to be operational next year, took the crown of biggest offshore wind farm away from its sister, Hornsea One.
When fully operational, the 165 wind turbines, located 89km off the East coast, will be capable of generating 1.32 gigawatts of clean, renewable power.
Together with its sister project, the Hornsea 1 and 2 projects will be capable of powering over 2.3 million homes on the British National Grid.
Patrick Harnett, Programme Director for Hornsea Two, said: “Achieving first power is an important milestone for the project and a proud moment for the whole team.
“Constructing a project of this size and scale is only possible through strong collaboration, hard work and dedication.
“From here, we have the finish line in sight as we install the remaining turbines and continue testing, commissioning and energising our wind farm into the New Year.
“A huge well done to everyone who has worked through the pandemic to keep the project on track.”
Ørsted are already underway with developing two further projects in the Hornsea area, capitalising on the potential for wind power in the North Sea in the British Isles.
Hornsea Three received a Development Consent Order in December 2020, while Hornsea Four is currently going through the planning process.
Together, both projects will combine with the existing wind farms to help Britain achieve its aim of being net neutral by 2050.
Duncan Clark, Head of Region UK at Ørsted, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing the world today, and we believe that the solution lies in deploying renewable energy resources on a much larger scale than anything we have seen so far.
The UK is the global leader in offshore wind and our Hornsea projects have helped pave the way for the next generation of offshore wind farms.
“Reaching this milestone on Hornsea Two is testament to the incredible skill and commitment of everyone involved.”
