• When complete, the 1.7 billion project in the Thames Estuary will boast 217 turbines
  • It will be able to generate enough electricity for 750,000 homes
  • Set to be connected to the National Grid next spring

By Chris Richards

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When fully operational, it will be the world's largest offshore wind farm - and, as these pictures show, work on the project in the Thames Estuary is moving along at quite a pace.

The wind farm, which is being built in the shallow waters 12 miles off the coasts of Kent and Essex, which, when complete will feature 217 turbines that will be able to supply enough electricity to power a quarter of London's homes.

The 1.7 billion wind farm, known as the London Array, is owned by the utility companies E.ON, Dong Energy and Masdar and is expected to start sending energy to the National Grid next spring.

The first phase of the project will generate 630 megawatts of power - equivalent to a small gas or coal fired power station and enough to supply 470,000 homes.

Corridors of power: When complete, the London Array wind farm will be the largest in the world

Corridors of power: When complete, the London Array wind farm will be the largest in the world

Vast: The 1.7 billion London Array wind farm will feature 217 turbines when complete

Vast: The 1.7 billion London Array wind farm will feature 217 turbines when complete

The second phase will bring the total to 217 turbines, each towering 147 metres above the estuary, giving 1000 mw of power, enough for 750,000 homes.

Work on the project began in January.

It was originally given the go-ahead in May 2009.

At present, the world's largest offshore wind farm is the 102-turbine Walney project, located off the coast of Cumbria.

The Walney project is capable of providing sufficient electricity for about 320,000 homes.

Work in progress: Construction work takes place on one of the wind turbines in the Thames Estuary

Work in progress: Construction work takes place on one of the wind turbines in the Thames Estuary

Estuarine energy: The turbines, in the Thames Estuary, will eventually be able to generate enough electricity for 750,000 homes

Estuarine energy: The turbines, in the Thames Estuary, will eventually be able to generate enough electricity for 750,000 homes

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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In years to come none of you will be complaining, I think it's something to be proud of, people here say 'countryside' it's in the sea!!! You could farm mussels off them maybe? I don't understand some people, they want everything as an ideal, they want power (electricity), and they want it cheap - Oils running out buttheads..

This is the third windfarm that I see in Thanet, we`ve had the Kentish flats and the hundred turbines of the Thanet array and this London array will fill in the gap between the existing two so soon the whole horizon will be covered with these ugly inefficient turbines which are only being built because of the subsidies. Its a bit like the subsidies for the wealthy to install solar panels where the feed in tariff is paid by everyones power bills, rich or poor, being increased. I can occasionly see the Gunton sands array which is off essex about 30 miles away so those who think 12 miles doesn`t make them an eyesore think again, they are massive structures. Incidentally some of the kentish flats array are on their third turbine replacement.

The main questio about windfarms is ,ARE THEY EFFICIENT. according to our government they are totally inefficient in the cost per Kwh produced.Thats why we don,t build them, over here,.any more

Beautiful. In sight and deed.

Three words, Ugly Ugly Ugly

I totally understand the reasons for not wanting wind farms. I think most people do not like them, but some may tolerate. However, if you consider the broader energy picture there is a fundamental need for these projects. Unfortunately this requires some government funding as a commercial incentive, but this drives jobs and research leading to an efficient industry. Energy security is a very real issue, either in terms of fossil fuel resources running out, or geo-political disruptions. The UK obtains over 75% of its energy from fossil fuels (mainly coal and gas) and these are expected to run out globally in about 10 generations. We need to develop new ways of generating electricity in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Wind should be part of a diversified mix of renewable energy sources, along with solar, hydro, biofuels, wave in appropriate locations. We can deal with this issue tomorrow though. The only problem is that tomorrow never comes.

Ugly, costly and inefficient !!!

Anon, Chesterfield: I agree. It would be lovely if they were. (Btw, hope you don't mind, but the word is definitely - not defiantly). ;o)

'World's largest wind farm' with 217 turbines that can power homes for 750,000 homes takes shape off the coast of Essex Power homes for 750,000 homes? Might be nice if your headline at least made sense!

Our waters are defiantly NOT that lovely shade of blue! - Anon, Chesterfield, 17/6/2012 20:44 Yes they are ! its depends where the light is coming from an where looking at it from!

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