THE world’s largest wind farm will be built in the Thames Estuary, after funding was secured yesterday.

The London Array farm will see 341 turbines installed across 90sq miles of Essex and Kent coast.

Energy firm E.ON, one of the project’s main backers, said the €2.2billion first phase would begin this year and be complete by 2012.

Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge welcomed the announcement, which comes after recent speculation about the economic viability of the project after additional costs arose.

He said: “I am thrilled that a final decision has been made today on the London Array wind farm.

“If we are serious about our commitment to cutting carbon emissions, then it is essential renewable energy projects such as this go ahead.

“It is encouraging that these utility companies have made a final commitment to invest, despite the rising costs they now face, particularly the increasing costs of wind turbines.

“This announcement has ensured the Thames Gateway is to become a leading area in the production of renewables, which will give a boost to the local economy.”

E.ON chief executive, Dr Wulf Bernotat, said he was delighted work could begin, and said the project marked a milestone in the quest to take renewable energy to an industrial level.

Partnering E.ON for the project are Abu Dhabi-based energy company Masdar, and Dong Energy, which is based in Denmark.

The first phase will consist of 175 turbines and will generate up to 630 megawatts of energy. It is hoped the complete wind farm will generate 1,000MW – enough to power 750,000 homes.

Onshore work on the project will begin in the summer, with offshore work starting in early 2011.