The 51-turbine project finished its construction phase in May and since then has been subject to testing and trials. From yesterday, the 2.3MW Siemens turbines at the site are generating electricity.

Walney 1, which is 14 kilometres from the coast of Cumbria in northern England, had experienced some delays because of cabling issues.

Now that it is fully operational work continues on its sister project, Walney 2, which will potentially begin contributing another 184MW of electricity when it becomes fully operational next year.

This week’s landmark means the UK remains at the forefront of the world’s offshore wind-energy sector.

Offshore wind is expected to get a further boost later today when the British Government announces electricity-market reforms which will favour further investment in low-carbon electricity generation such as wind and nuclear.

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