The first phase of the world's largest offshore windfarm is up and running. The final turbine at the London Array in the Thames Estuary has now been commissioned which means that all of them are exporting power to the national grid.
With all turbines now exporting power to the national grid, London Array is expected to produce enough green electricity to power nearly half a million homes a year.
Norman Baker, MP for Lewes, said: “I’m pleased that matters are moving forward. This development, if given permission, will create an initial 85 jobs in Newhaven, as well as helping the UK both to become more energy self-sufficient and cut carbon emissions.”
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: "Following a period of further consultation by E.ON, I’m delighted that the proposals for the Rampion wind farm are now back on the table and hope the project will get the green light.
"This exciting clean energy development could provide secure and sustainable power for a huge number of homes in Brighton and Hove – as well as creating local jobs, slashing carbon emissions and boosting the region’s reputation as a place for investment in green industries.”
Plans for energy firm E.ON’s Rampion offshore wind farm have been accepted for consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.
The company said feedback from over 1,500 people and organisations in Sussex has been used to shape the wind farm proposals.
Chris Tomlinson, project manager, said: "The feedback has helped us further reduce the impact on the local community, while maintaining a project capable of generating electricity for the needs of two thirds of the homes in Sussex.”
If built, the wind farm could have up to 175 turbines and a capacity of 700MW which could generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of around 450,000 homes.
The news comes as the London Array - the world’s largest offshore wind farm, off the Kent coast, in which E.ON also has a 30% stake - reached full capacity on Friday with the commissioning of the 175th and final turbine.
Britain's largest wind farm, off the Kent coast, has reached full capacity for the first time.
The 175 turbines of the London Array are now creating enough power to supply half a million homes. It has taken two years to complete the project.
Meanwhile 195 turbines could be built off the Sussex coast. An exhibition of the latest plans for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, off Newhaven, will take place in Brighton today.
The last turbine has been installed at the London Array Offshore Wind Farm, marking the end of the latest phase of construction.
Off the coast of Kent and Essex, 175 turbines are now in place, with 55 of them supplying power to the national grid. The wind farm should be fully operational in the Spring.
VIDEO: The world's largest off-shore windfarm off the North Kent coast made history today, supplying its first electricity to the National Grid. And it announced plans for expansion, that will bring more jobs and investment to the South East.
On Meridian Tonight at 6pm we're above the world's largest windfarm in the Thames Estuary. We hear about the plans for expansion - and what it will mean for jobs in the south east.
Engineers have announced that the first power had been produced at the London Array offshore windfarm.
The 630MW scheme, located in the Thames Estuary, will be the world’s largest and has been under construction since March 2011.
Developers DONG energy, E.ON and Masdar said today that 151 of the 175 turbines have been installed, with construction on schedule to be finished by the end of the year.
Together they will produce enough power to supply over 470,000 UK homes.
Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson has visited the site at HMP Standford Hill where two wind turbines will be built.
He told reporters: “If agreement can be reached for them to supply power to Sheppey’s prisons, this will reduce their energy bills and be a further saving to taxpayers.”
Turbines at the London Array are more than 80% complete, engineers say.
Work on the world's largest offshore windfarm, based off the Kent coat, began in 2006. We'll be getting a bird's eye view of the construction later today.