Enviromena has confirmed that its Rhigos and Parley Court Farm solar projects have qualified for support under the UK Government’s Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7.
The results published on 10 February marked a record-breaking round for solar, with 4.9GW of new capacity securing contracts across 157 projects and a clearing price of £65.23/MWh, the company said.
The strike price compares with an average wholesale electricity price of £80.66/MWh last year and reinforces solar’s cost competitiveness as CfDs provide long-term price stability for UK-generated renewable electricity.
The successful qualification of Rhigos in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Parley Court Farm in Dorset reflects the maturity and competitiveness of the UK solar market as well as the depth of Enviromena’s development pipeline.
AR7 is expected to play a significant role in reducing consumer energy bills, with the clearing price 56% lower than the levelised cost of electricity from a new gas-fired power station, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Both projects align with the government’s ambition to reach 57GW of solar capacity by 2030 as set out in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
Chris Marsh, chief executive officer at Enviromena, said: “Allocation Round 7 reaffirms solar’s pivotal role in delivering the UK’s clean energy ambitions. Against the backdrop of recent ROC reforms, the volume of capacity awarded this year sends a clear and reassuring signal that the policy framework remains stable and attractive for investment.
“We’re delighted to see Rhigos and Parley Court secure contracts in this round, further endorsing the strength and quality of our development pipeline.”
Across the sector, Solar Energy UK estimates that Allocation Round 7 will contribute £370 million in gross value added to the UK economy, underlining the role of large-scale solar in delivering economic growth alongside decarbonisation.
The results also reflect changes to the CfD framework introduced in this round, including a contract extension from 15 to 20 years designed to improve bankability and drive lower auction prices while maintaining investor confidence.