DONG Energy has won a contract to build a major offshore wind farm in the UK.

Race Bank, which will be located off the Norfolk coast, will have a capacity of 580MW – enough electricity to power 400,000 UK homes.

Siemens Wind Power has been picked to supply 91 turbines for the wind farm while UK-based firm JDR will provide subsea power cables.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said: “This is great news for Hartlepool and another success story for the UK’s offshore wind supply chain as we continue with our long-term plan to back business, create jobs and build a Northern Powerhouse.

“We’re developing the sector’s full potential at the lowest cost for hard-working bill payers, ensuring that UK-based manufacturers like JDR are well placed to win renewable energy contracts at home and overseas.”

The wind farm is expected to start operating by 2018.

Earlier this week trade body RenewableUK urged the government to continue its support for offshore wind.

• Amber Rudd, Dong Energy, Norfolk, Race Bank, UK