THE first turbines at a wind farm, under construction off the coast near Clacton, have started to generate electricity.

Two turbines at Gunfleet Sands, about four-and-a-half miles from the resort, started to produce power on Tuesday afternoon.

Another three were due to be connected to the National Grid yesterday.

The five turbines will produce enough electricity to power 12,500 homes. Once completed, the 48-turbine facility will cater for 120,000 homes – about 20 per cent of homes in Essex.

Peter Sills, spokesman for Danish power giant Dong Energy, which is behind the project, said: “So far, 16 turbines are in place and they will be commissioned in sequence.

“The remainder will start being installed in early September.”

Mr Sills said the construction of the turbines was halted during the summer as the installation vessel was being used elsewhere.

A new vessel will start work at Gunfleet Sands on September 1. It will stay at the farm until all 48 turbines are in place, around the end of the year.

All the turbines are set to be connected to the National Grid by next spring.