Wind farm in the UK

Day 2,998, 10:56 • Published in Canada Canada • by GeneralDismemberment

A wind farm that would be the largest in the world and power more than a million homes has been given the go-ahead in Britain.

Offshore wind developer Dong Energy said Wednesday a final decision had been made to construct the 1.2 gigawatt Hornsea Project One scheme off the coast of Yorkshire in northern England.

Scheduled for completion by 2020, the giant development would span 160 square miles (407 square kilometers) and use 174 wind turbines, each one 190 meters tall—higher than London's landmark "Gherkin" tower.

Wind energy has grown rapidly in Britain in the past decade, helped by strong winds and suitable geography, now producing 10 percent of Britain's energy needs, according to trade group RenewableUK.

The industry body said that the development would help Britain to meet pledges to limit greenhouse gas emissions made at the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Paris last year.