The UK government is to open Allocation Round 8 in July this year, a part of a package it claims will go “further and faster” in pursuit of energy security in response to the Middle East conflict.
The summer date will give “certainty to clean energy investors”, according to London.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Global events demonstrate there’s not a moment to waste in our drive for clean power because there can be no energy security while we are so dependent on fossil fuels.
“So today I’m announcing a series of initiatives to speed up our clean power mission: bringing forward the next renewables auction just months after our most successful ever, announcing that plug in solar will be available for the first time in Britain and speeding up our warm homes plan.”
He added: “Everything we are doing is about one purpose: fighting the corner of the British people by taking back control of our energy.”
RenewableUK welcomed the move. Chief executive Tara Singh said it is an important step to strengthen energy security.
“Recent global events have shown, yet again, how exposed we remain to shocks in international fossil-fuel markets, and the best way to reduce that vulnerability is to generate more of our own electricity here in the UK, at the stable prices wind and solar offer,” Singh said.
“There could be as many as 18 offshore wind farms potentially competing for contracts, alongside new onshore wind and solar sites.
“A high level of competition between projects is exactly what delivers the best value for billpayers. To secure it, developers need clear and decisive action on grid connection dates, charges and delivery timelines, so that projects can bid with confidence.”