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Video: Wind farm
opens

by Martin Jefferies

The world's largest offshore wind farm was unveiled to invited
VIPs in Kent today and is now generating power.

Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate
Change, officially launched the The
Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, which will power more than
200,000 homes.

He told kmfm reporter Katie Lamborn: "Kent has traditionally
been the garden of England, and if that is the case then this is
Kent's water feature.

"It's a fantastic, I think majestic site and it' s the sign if
great things to come right the way around the coastline of
Britain."

The 300MW installation, around 12 kilometres off Foreness Point,
comprises 100 giant turbines.

It took around two years to complete, cost nearly £800 million
to build and will boost UK offshore wind capacity by around a
third.

For regular updates
on the launch click here to listen to kmfm

Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, said: "I thinks it's a really
important new industry that's come to Thanet.

"It's a really exciting time we got the opportunity to lead on
green economy, green energy and to become a national if not
international hub for this new sector."

David Hodkinson, head of development at Vattenfall, the company behind
the project, said: "I'd like to thank local people for their
support in building this landmark wind farm.

"It's important that we help secure business and jobs in the
region through this significant investment."

Cllr Roger Latchford, cabinet member for regeneration and
economic development at Thanet council, added: "The Thanet Offshore
Wind Farm has put the area at the forefront of this innovative
industry.

"As well as bringing much-needed jobs and opportunities into the
area, it has also helped to raise the profile of the Port of
Ramsgate and what it has to offer companies locating in
Thanet."

The
installation of the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm brings the UK's total
wind capacity to 5GW - enough to supply around 2.7 million homes or
nearly every household in Scotland.

It is estimated that renewable energy will soon provide more
than 15 per cent of the UK's electricity.

Maria McCaffery, chief executive of the trade association
RenewableUK, said: "Renewable energy and wind energy in particular
should no longer be deemed alternative energy.

"It's now very much a mainstream source."

Commenting on the opening, Tom Foulkes, Director General of the
Institution of Civil Engineers said: "The opening of the Thanet
windfarm is a very positive step forward in the UK's progress
towards securing a low carbon energy supply and meeting renewable
targets, but we must continue to drive forward progress.

"UK's offshore energy resources, if harnessed, could provide a
major proportion of the UK's electricity needs and put the UK at
the forefront of a rapidly growing sector with enormous export
potential.

"However, this will require massive development in a relatively
narrow timeframe.

"Government will need to provide clear leadership, ensuring the
regulatory framework and fiscal mechanisms are fit for purpose and
the supply chain is developed concurrently to make the UK a hub for
offshore design and manufacturing."