by Nick Lillitos

A landmark energy project was launched today when government minister Ed Miliband opened a 26-turbine wind farm on Romney Marsh. It will meet the average annual electricity needs of around 33,000 homes.

Energy experts say that is the equivalent to about three-quarters of the homes located in Shepway.

Speaking at Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm, Mr Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: "Little Cheyne Court shows us that the UK’s transistion to low carbon is well under way.

"I’m impressed with the scale of this wind farm, one of England’s largest, and it’s great to know that another 33,000 homes are now powered by clean green, energy.

"The expansion of wind energy, alongside other renewables, new nuclear power and clean coal, is vital for the UK’s low carbon energy mix, and brings with it massive opportunity in terms of jobs and economic growth."

Kevin McCullough, chief operating officer at RWE Innogy, the plant’s operators, said: "Little Cheyne Court will prevent the release of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year while also contributing to the UK’s energy security."

He added: "A great deal of hard work has gone into this project since we first announced our plans top build a wind farm here in 2002, and I am delighted Little Cheyne Court is now generating electricity."

All major work on the site is completed and the wind turbines, measuring 115 metres tall, can each produce 2.3MW of electricity. They are currently undergoing final operational testing before the wind farm goes fully on stream.

Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins described the development as "exciting".

He added: "We have one of the biggest renewable energy potentials in Europe - investing in wind, solar, wave hydro and tidal power could create thousands of jobs and business opportunities and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

"The Government must set out plans for maximising this crucial resource when it publishes its climate strategies later this week."