The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced the results of Allocation Round 7a (AR7a) of the Contracts for Difference scheme, awarding contracts to 6,232 MW of renewable energy capacity across Great Britain. The allocation round includes solar photovoltaic, onshore wind and tidal stream projects.
Solar photovoltaic secured the largest share with 4,905 MW awarded across 157 projects. Of this total, 1,871 MW is scheduled for delivery in 2027/28 and 3,034 MW in 2028/29. The clearing strike price was £46.82/MWh in 2012 prices, equivalent to £65.23/MWh in 2024 prices, representing a 13% reduction compared with the administrative strike price.
Onshore wind was awarded 1,306 MW across 28 projects, with 626 MW planned for delivery in 2027/28 and 680 MW in 2028/29. The technology cleared at £51.85/MWh in 2012 prices, or £72.24/MWh in 2024 prices, achieving a 21.5% reduction against the administrative strike price.
Tidal stream projects received 20.9 MW across four projects within Pot 2 for emerging technologies. The clearing strike price was £190.19/MWh in 2012 prices, or £265/MWh in 2024 prices, corresponding to a 28.6% reduction compared with the administrative strike price. These projects are scheduled for delivery between 2028/29 and 2029/30.
Regionally, England accounted for 68.6% of the awarded capacity, Scotland 22.9% and Wales 8.5%. The projected budget impact for Pot 1 technologies is estimated to reach £288 million by 2030/31, while Pot 2 is expected to require approximately £15 million annually from 2029/30. All strike prices are index-linked and presented in both 2012 and 2024 price bases.
