First electricity generated at Greater Gabbard and Walney offshore wind farms

SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy plc) has confirmed today that a milestone has been reached at both Greater Gabbard and Walney offshore wind farms, which have each generated electricity for the first time.

Colin Hood, SSE's Chief Operating Officer, said: "This is a major milestone in the development of Walney and Greater Gabbard offshore wind farms. As the UK's leading generator of electricity from renewable sources, SSE is committed to helping to increase further the amount of renewable electricity generation in the UK, and the export of electricity at Walney and Greater Gabbard is a step towards achieving this."

Construction of Walney 1 started in March 2010 and is progressing well with all of the planned 51 turbines having been successfully installed. The first turbines have now been energised and have exported power to the national grid. Walney 1 is expected to be fully commissioned in the first half of 2011. Construction of Walney 2 is due to start around March and be fully commissioned by the end of 2011.

SSE - First electricity generated at Greater Gabbard and Walney offshore wind farms