It’s official - London Array has become the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm.

The milestone was reached off the Thanet coast at 17.49 on Thursday March 7.

141 of 175 3.6MW Siemens turbines are now able to generate 507MW of energy for UK homes and businesses. The previous title was held by Greater Gabbard, which is rated at 500MW.

Project director Richard Rigg said: “This is a significant milestone for London Array - now the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm – and a major achievement for the project team.

“Recent bad weather and north easterly winds have made it difficult for our commissioning teams to get out to the turbines so this is a real reward for their hard work, and for everyone who has been involved in the project.

“Thirty four of the 175 turbines remain to be commissioned and we expect the project to be fully operational in the Spring when London Array will be capable of generating enough energy to power over two thirds of all the homes in Kent.”

London Array generated its first power last October, feeding renewable energy to an onshore site at Graveney, and then into the National Grid.