Rampion Offshore Wind Farm has officially opened off the coast of Sussex.

The 400MW installation will provide a substantial source of electricity for the next 25 years, helping the country to meet environmental targets and climate change commitments.

After a three-year construction schedule involving a workforce of around 750 at peak times, Rampion was officially being opened by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex.

The site which went into full operation in the spring and is the first Crown Estate Round 3 project to be completed. It is owned by E.ON, Enbridge and the UK Green Investment Rampion Ltd.

Michael Lewis, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: "Wind power, both onshore and offshore, continues to prove itself as a key part of the UK's future energy mix and sits as a cost-effective alternative to higher carbon forms of power generation.

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"Not only will Rampion play a vital role in helping the UK meet its commitment to decarbonise the energy sector but it will continue to support the local economy, sparking the regeneration of Newhaven Port, sustaining highly skilled roles including apprenticeships as well as introducing the £3.1million Rampion Fund for community organisations and projects over the next decade."

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry, said: "It's great to see the south coast's first offshore wind farm opening, powering around 350,000 homes, creating hundreds of high quality jobs and building on our reputation as a world leader in this sector.

"As part of our modern Industrial Strategy we've set out a further £557 million of funding for new renewable projects like this, helping to tackle climate change and deliver clean growth to local economies. We're putting the finishing touches to our Offshore Wind Sector Deal that will see this sector go from strength to strength for years to come."

Matt Porter, Associate Director, Green Investment Group, said: "As the UK's world leading offshore wind fleet continues to grow in size and complexity, it’s becoming increasingly critical to match the right capital with the right project. That’s what we've achieved here with Rampion, enabling the first offshore wind project off the UK’s south coast to come to life.

"Projects like Rampion simply aren’t possible without the skill, dedication and vision of a huge number of people. Together, we’ve delivered a world class development which will bring low-carbon electricity to the UK for many years to come. We’re incredibly proud of Rampion and I hope, like its namesake, it’s a source of pride for the whole of Sussex."

(CD)