The UK government is consulting on reforms to its renewables auction scheme, including extending the target commissioning window (TCW) for solar PV.
The proposed changes aim to support the growth of renewables by 2030, reflecting the increasing scale of solar projects in the UK. As part of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (CP30), the government seeks to address barriers to deployment by refining the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme to provide investment certainty and consumer benefits.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the UK currently has 30.7 GW of offshore wind installed or committed, with an additional 7.2 GW consented. The target range for 2030 is 43-50 GW.
Other proposed reforms include relaxed planning consent criteria for fixed-bottom offshore wind and extending CfD contracts beyond 15 years. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated:
“Our bold new reforms will give developers the certainty they need to build clean energy in the UK, supporting our mission to become a clean energy superpower and bring down bills for good.”
Applications for Allocation Round 7 (AR7) are expected to open this summer, with the consultation running until 25 March. A government decision is anticipated before AR7 begins. Last year’s allocation round, AR6, had a record budget and awarded contracts for 128 projects with 9.6 GW of capacity.
Currently, solar PV projects must specify a three-month TCW. If commissioning is delayed beyond this period, payments are reduced on a day-for-day basis. The government recognises that increasing project sizes may pose deployment challenges.
Solar Energy UK “warmly welcomes” the consultation. Chief executive Chris Hewett said: “The consultation provides an opportunity to refine the CfD mechanism, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and continues to drive investment in clean energy infrastructure.”
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