Wind farm officially opened off Essex coast

An offshore wind farm situated off the coast of Essex has been officially opened.

Gunfleet Sands wind farm, in the Thames Estuary, is made up of 48 turbines, each standing 130 metres high.

The farm first transmitted power last August and the entire site went into production in March this year.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: "Our island is surrounded by some of the windiest coast in the world and that's a resource we've got to use."

Speaking at the inauguration, he added: "I want to make sure we grab all the opportunities the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry has to offer, and that offshore wind power can come of age under this government."