http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5186/?cid=3

The world's largest wind farm, the £1 billion Walney development off the Cumbrian coast is now fully operational, according to developers SSE, DONG Energy and investment group OPW.

Yesterday, SSE confirmed that commissioning is now complete and all 102 turbines in the development are fully operational and generating electricity.

At a total capacity of 367.2 MW, the Walney development is currently the largest operational offshore wind farm.

"Walney is a great example of how much offshore wind has matured as an industry in a relatively short time, and will provide a significant contribution to the UK government's CO₂ reduction targets and fuel security ambitions," commented SSE's managing director Jim Smith.

The development, which combines Walney 1 and 2, was the first to be backed by institutional investors before it was built and was completed in record time with the cables and turbines for the second phase installed in just five months and 13 days.

Meanwhile, work has also completed on another of SSE's wind farms, Gordonbush near Brora in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.

The 35-turbine site being developed by SSE's renewable energy division SSE Renewables will add a further 70 MW to the company's portfolio.

SSE highlights that it invested over £100 million in local Scottish businesses as part of the project, generating as estimated 237 'job years' during the course of construction.