Walney Extension offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea has been given the go-ahead from the government that will boost economic growth and create new jobs.

If built, the new wind frm could triple the size of Walney Offshore wind farm, already one of the biggest wind farms in the world.

The wind farm is expected to create 230 new jobs over the four year construction period and around 185 jobs annually during the expected 25 year lifespan.

Once built, the wind farm would generate enough electricity to power over half a million homes.

The decision underlines how the government’s policies have made the UK the best place in the world to invest in offshore wind.

The Walney Extension project is one of five offshore wind projects that signed an early Contract for Difference under the new system for low-carbon electricity generation.

As well as being the first contracts awarded under the system, they mark a new stage in the growth of the sector, bringing green jobs and growth across the UK and supporting cleaner and more secure energy.