Following a renewables auction by the UK government, solar projects exceeding 3GW secured Contracts for Difference.
The results of this auction mean that solar energy is the second highest-backed renewable technology after offshore wind farms. 3288.31MW has been distributed. The projects’ strike price has been set at £50.07 per MWh, higher than AR5’s £47 per MWh.
The 299MW Longfield Solar Energy Farm and BESS complex in Essex is the biggest success under the scheme, with developer EDF Renewables citing delivery for 2027 -2028.
The auction has backed six other projects, including the 99.9MW Little Crow Solar Park from INRG for 2027-2028, and Aukera and Locogen’s 63MW Benthead Solar Farm in Scotland. The latter is due for 2026-2027.
According to a statement by Solar Energy UK, reaching the UK’s government’s 2030 goal of reaching 50GW, 3.3GW of ground-mounted capacity on average will have to be delivered per annum until 2030. This is “very close” to the amount achieved in the auction.
Solar Energy UK Director of Policy and Delivery, Gemma Grimes, adds: “Today’s welcome announcements demonstrate yet again that solar and wind power are the cheapest source of power available in the UK.
“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 concludes.
