The UK government has kicked off a consultation on proposals to expand the CfD Clean Industry Bonus scheme from next year.
The newly introduced CIB, which applies for the first time to fixed bottom and floating wind projects from this year’s Allocation Round 7, currently offers payments of up to £27m per GW to developers who have pledged to invest in and increase the sustainability of local supply chains.
Energy department DESNZ says it is now considering whether to expand these criteria to include skills investment and strengthening workforce protection by encouraging developers and suppliers to negotiate a new offshore wind fair work charter.
Extending the CIB to onshore wind and implementing technical improvements to ensure the smooth running of the scheme are also under consideration
It added: “The consultation is necessary to understand views on the proposed reforms and how we can continue to improve the CIB for government, offshore and onshore wind developers, the wider supply chain and the workforce.”
The consultation runs until 6 October ahead of a government response being published later in the autumn.