Thus, Gunfleet Sands will contribute significantly to the UK ambition of markedly increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s power production.

Energy minister Charles Hendry said: “Our island is surrounded by some of the windiest coast in the world and that’s a resource we’ve got to use. I want to make sure we grab all the opportunities the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry has to offer, and that offshore wind power can come of age under this government.”

The first green power from the wind farm was transmitted to shore in August last year, and the entire wind farm having a total capacity of 172 MW, went into production in March 2010.

Anders Eldrup, CEO of DONG Energy, said: "The United Kingdom has a very ambitious plan for expanding the production of renewable energy and a target of making green energy and reliability of supply go hand in hand. DONG Energy is the market leader in terms of building offshore wind farms, and we are therefore pleased to be able to contribute to the expansion of renewable energy."

Commenting on the news, Tom Delay, chief executive at Carbon Trust said: "Offshore wind will deliver significant carbon reductions and huge economic value to the UK over the coming decade. The Carbon Trust is delighted to be working with DONG Energy and other developers as partners in our Offshore Wind Accelerator, a collaboration to develop innovative technologies and drive down costs of the UK's Round 3 offshore wind developments."

DONG Energy is heavily involved in the production and expansion of renewable energy in the UK. It is involved in building the three new major offshore wind farms, including what will be the world's largest offshore wind farm London Array (630 MW), due to be commissioned in 2013.