Giant offshore wind farm powers up

The first phase of the London Array project, around 12 miles off the coasts of Kent and Essex in the Thames Estuary, will see 175 turbines generate enough power to supply more than 470,000 homes.

Already 151 turbines have been installed since construction began in March 2011, and when the first phase is completed by the end of the year, the 630 megawatt scheme will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

If approved, the second phase will add enough turbines to bring the total capacity to 870 megawatts. The plans have had to be resubmitted following concerns the scheme would hit the red-throated diver population in the estuary.

Dong Energy has a 50 per cent stake in the project, energy giant E.ON owns 30 per cent and Abu Dhabi renewables company Masdar has a 20 per cent stake.