The world's largest offshore wind farm is set to be built off the Yorkshire coast, it has been announced.

DONG Energy has now made a final investment decision to build the 1.2GW Hornsea Project One with construction due to begin later this year.

It is understood Hornsea will be the world's first offshore wind farm to exceed 1,000MW in capacity and able to generate enough power for over one million UK homes.

The 407 sq m site is located 120km off the Yorkshire coast and will utilise Siemens' 7.0MW wind turbines.

Around 2,000 construction jobs will be created and the scheme is due to be operational by 2020.

The project was granted a Final Investment Decision Enabling contract (Contract for Difference) by the UK Government in April 2014 and will receive a fixed tariff for the first 15 years of production.

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In addition, DONG Energy have project rights to the Hornsea Project Two and Three, both adding potential of a further 3GW offshore wind power capacity.

Henrik Poulsen, CEO, said: "We are excited about building this huge wind farm and pushing the boundaries of the offshore wind industry. Hornsea together with Race Bank, Westermost Rough and Lincs will make up a giant production area off the British east coast, supporting our efforts to deliver green and independent energy to society."

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy's UK Country Chairman, added: "Our decision to construct this giant wind farm 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."

The project will form the final stage towards the company's target of installing 6.5MW of offshore wind by 2020.

(LM/CD)