UK Secures Record 6.4GW Renewable Energy Capacity in Latest Auction, Making Onshore Wind and Solar 50% Cheaper Than Gas
By
DamonHD
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
The UK government has secured a record 6.4 gigawatts of solar, onshore wind, and tidal power in its latest renewable energy auction (AR7a), making it the second part of the seventh auction round for contracts for difference. Combined with the earlier 8.4GW of offshore wind secured in January 2026, this makes AR7 the UK's largest-ever renewable energy auction with 14.7GW total capacity, 50% larger than the previous record. The article highlights that new onshore wind and solar power in the UK is now 50% cheaper than new gas power generation, marking a significant milestone in renewable energy economics.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe UK government has secured a record 6.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar, onshore wind and tidal power in its latest auction for new renewable capacity.
This makes AR7 the UK's single-largest auction round overall, with its 14.7GW of new renewable capacity being 50% larger than the previous record set by AR6 in 2024.
New UK onshore wind and solar is '50% cheaper' than new gas.
It is the second and final part of the seventh auction round for 'contracts for difference' (CfDs), known as AR7a.
In the first part, held in January 2026, the government agreed contracts for a record 8.4GW of new offshore wind capacity.
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