Energy Minister Stephen Timms has been given a sneak preview of the work on the UK mainland's largest and most powerful wind turbines.
The Government official toured the new Powergen wind farm at Holmside, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.
Jason Scagell, head of Powergen Renewables, said: "This is recognition that this is an important site for both Powergen and for the people of County Durham."
Holmside is one of three Powergen wind farm sites under construction in County Durham, collectively known as the 3Hs. The others are at Harehill, near Peterlee, and at High Volts, near Hartlepool.
Holmside and Harehill will consist of two 100m-high 2.75 megawatt turbines, while High Volts will have three turbines on site.
The wind farms will supply enough clean, green electricity to power 4,500 homes, as well as displacing 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Construction work on the Holmside farm is being carried out by Amec. All three sites are expected to be completed early next year
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