Solar projects totalling over 3GW have secured Contracts for Difference in the UK government’s latest renewables auction, making solar the second highest backed technology after offshore wind.
Around 1GW is to be delivered in 2026-27 and just over 2GW in 2027-28, according to the results of Allocation Round 6 (AR6).
In total 3288.31MW capacity has been allocated.
The strike price for all projects is £50.07 per megawatt-hour, higher than £47 per megawatt-hour in AR5.
The record-breaking results should begin to contribute to lowering energy bills within only two years, said trade body Solar Energy UK.
The prices for wind and solar power are “only a fraction” of the wholesale cost of electricity, weekly average forward delivery contracts having ranged between £61 and £87 per megawatt-hour this year.
Further underlining the value of renewable energy, a payment of £92.50/MWh has been offered for the Hinkley Point C nuclear project.
“Today’s welcome announcements demonstrate yet again that solar and wind power are the cheapest source of power available in the UK,” said Solar Energy UK Director of Policy and Delivery, Gemma Grimes.
“It is hugely encouraging to see an unprecedented volume of solar generation capacity contracted, enough to put a meaningful dent into future electricity prices.
“Similar levels of contracted capacity will be needed each year to meet our net zero ambitions,” she added.
The largest successful scheme is the 299MW Longfield Solar Energy Farm in Hertfordshire, co-located with battery storage, being developed by EDF Renewables and delivered in 2027/28.
Six projects of 50MW or over were also backed in the round.
This includes the 99.9MW Little Crow Solar Park being developed by INRG which will be delivered in 2027/28.
The 63MW Benthead Solar Farm in Scotland is being developed by Aukera and Locogen and will be delivered in 2026/27.
Source: reNews
