Energy minister Malcolm Wicks pressed the button to start up the three 125-metre tall wind turbines at McCain Foods, in Whittlesey.

The £15 million ground-breaking trio of wind turbines, plus a waste water lagoon at the UK's largest chip factory, have been installed to help cut carbon emissions and generate sustainable energy.

Moments after Mr Wicks pressed the button the huge turbines began their almost silent, steady progress up to speed. The outside tips of the giant propellors are capable of reaching 100mph.

The turbines, which are the biggest of their kind onshore in the UK, add a futuristic element to the industrial landscape near Whittlesey, dwarfing the nearby chimneys and factory.

Describing the structures as beautiful and elegant, Mr Wicks, said: "McCain Foods has set a fantastic example to UK manufacturers by harnessing wind energy to power its business.

"It's a real win-win situation and shows the kind of innovation and ambition the UK needs to tackle the double whammy of climate change and energy security."

Chief executive of McCain Foods, Nick Vermont, said: "With our 70 per cent reduction in the use of electricity we are walking the walk and delivering in terms of green issues.

"We hope this has demonstrated that a large scale manufacturing plant can operate efficiently while significantly reducing its carbon footprint."

The lagoon, which is the size of two football pitches, is now fully operational and uses waste water from the company's manufacturing processes which it then converts to methane gas, so generating 10 per cent of the company's electrical needs.

Mayor of Whittlesey Steve Garratt was on hand to see the town being put on the green map.

He said: "It's fantastic.

"I remember when it was London Brick, with the 14 chimneys. It shows how far we have come in cutting down emissions and creating a greener environment.

"The turbines make hardly any noise and they look graceful. The town council is in full support of the investment."

McCain Foods, one of the area's largest employers, chose to put up the turbines as the area benefits from high wind speeds which will sustain the project.