Vattenfall has started to develop an offshore wind farm in Kent.

It is understood the Kentish Flats Extension will cost more than £150 million to build.

The piling of foundations began on 2 May and the 15 turbine scheme will be located 8km off shore.

The turbines are expected to generate approximately 49.5MW of power and begin production later this year.

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Piers Guy, Vattenfall's UK Country Manager, said: "We’re proud to be carrying the UK offshore wind flag this year as the only developer building offshore."

Project Manager for Kentish Flats Extension, Matthew Green, said: "It doesn’t get much tougher than this: piling foundations 30 metres into the seabed; installing 139.6 metre tall turbines weighing 600 tonnes over 8km off the coast; and, completing on schedule and to budget with, most importantly, maximum emphasis on safety."

It is estimated once finished the development will be capable of generating enough power in an average year to meet the electricity demand of 35,000 UK households.

(LM/CD)