Rampion Wind Farm generates first power

The first turbine at the £1.3 billion Rampion Offshore Wind Farm has started generating power.

The landmark development for the 166 turbine off shore site was announced by energy firm E.On on Monday.

Construction finished in September and it is expected to be fully operational next year.

When it is at full capacity the wind farm will produce enough electricity to power almost 350,000 homes – the equivalent to around half the homes in Sussex.

Over the coming months the remaining turbines will be gradually turned on one by one.

Matthew Swanick, project director, said: “We’re especially proud to have reached this milestone as the first power is generated at Rampion.

“Over the last two hears the construction team has worked tirelessly in all weather conditions to complete this remarkable engineering feat.”

It took workers six months to install the 80 metre high turbines, each weighing approximately 200 tonnes.

Earlier this month Rampion bosses announced plans to set up a £4 million charity fund.

Its charitable fund will be split in three, providing £3.1 million for projects which will benefit the Sussex community; £800,000 on the visitors centre and a £100,000 donation to RNLI stations in the county.

Electricity providers E.On also laid out its plans for a visitors’ centre in Brighton, near the arches close to the i360, opening in mid to late 2018.

By Clare Calder