The UK government has awarded Contracts for Difference agreements to 6200MW of onshore wind, solar and tidal stream projects in the Allocation Round 7a renewable energy auction.
Solar PV secured the largest haul, with 4.9GW awarded deals at a clearing price of £65.23 per megawatt-hour (in 2024 prices).
The majority of successful solar schemes are located in England, with 4.2GW allocated in the region.
More than 1.3GW of onshore wind was meanwhile handed the 20-year support deals at a strike price of £72.24/MWh.
Tidal stream, which competed in a separate technology pot, won 20.9MW of capacity at a £265/MWh clearing price.
UK energy secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) said: “These results show once again that clean British power is the right choice for our country, agreeing a price for new onshore wind and solar that is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.
“By backing solar and onshore wind at scale, we’re driving bills down for good and protecting families, businesses, and our country from the fossil fuel rollercoaster controlled by petrostates and dictators.
“This is how we take back control of our energy and deliver a new era of energy abundance and independence.”
More coverage of the AR7a results to follow…