Some of the turbines are now producing power

The 30-turbine complex is being built by Centrica Energy and Dutch-based energy group Dong, 7km south west of Walney Island, near Barrow.

Around half of the turbines are complete and the first commercial energy production began at the weekend.

Last week, ministers threw out a proposal to build England's largest land-based wind farm in Cumbria.

Construction challenge

The project, called Barrow Offshore Wind (BOW), will comprise four rows of 120-metre high turbines, each capable of producing three megawatts of electricity.

A special offshore electricity sub-station has been constructed to link high-voltage power cables to the shore.

When complete, the complex will provide power for about 65,000 homes.

John Freeland, the deputy project manager, said: "This is the ideal place for a wind farm, but an area like this has its own challenges in construction."

The complex is due to be completed later this year.