The first of 116 wind turbines has been installed at the Rampion offshore wind farm.

It marks the start of the final stage of construction for E.ON‘s 400MW project, which is situated in the English Channel off the coast of Sussex.

When completed, the wind farm is expected to provide enough electricity to supply almost 347,000 homes a year, equivalent to around half the homes in Sussex.

During spring, offshore cabling work will continue, with construction of the onshore operations and maintenance base at Newhaven Port commencing in March.

The complex of offices and warehouses will employ up to 60 full time, permanent staff and store spare parts and equipment to support the maintenance of the turbines.

The project is due to be completed and fully operational in 2018.

Ofgem has announced shortlists of bidders competing to own and operate new transmission links to UK wind farms.