The world’s largest offshore wind farm is now operational

The £1billion Walney facility, owned by Danish company Orsted, began onshore construction in 2015 and now covers an area equal to 20,000 football pitches off the Cumbrian coast

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The farm already had 102 turbines before the implementation of another 87 earlier this year – dubbed the Walney Extension.

Each turbine stands at 190m high, with the entire farm covering an area of 145 square km.It can generate up to 659 megawatts – enough power for 600,000 homes.

Situated in the Irish Sea, 19km off Barrow-in-Furness, the wind farm overtakes the previous largest facility, London Array, in the Thames Estuary.

Matthew Wright, UK managing director, said: “The northwest region plays an important role in our UK offshore wind operations and our aim is to make a lasting and positive impact here.”

“Record-breaking engineering landmarks like this help us consolidate our global leadership position, break records for generating renewable energy, and create thousands of high quality jobs,” added Energy Minister Claire Perry.

The wind farm will see about 250 people employed in its operation and maintenance.

The turbine blades were manufactured in Hull and the Isle of Wight.

Orsted has pledged a Community Benefit Fund worth up to £600,000 for each of the wind farm’s 25-year expected lifespan, towards the support of community and environmental projects in the coastal areas of Cumbria and Lancashire.