33 clean energy projects in Scotland with the capacity to generate 1.4 GW of electricity have today (February 10) been awarded a Contracts for Difference (CfD) in the latest UK Government auction process.
Scotland continues to be the driving force for the UK’s onshore wind sector as 21 projects with a combined 1.1 GW of capacity were awarded contracts as part of Allocation Round 7a (AR7a).
Today’s auction has also procured a record 330 MW of solar capacity in Scotland with 11 successful projects. 2.4 MW of tidal power was also secured building on Scotland’s world-leading pipeline.
These projects are expected to bolster investor sentiment and strengthen supply chain stability while adding to the £15 billion of economic benefits and 47,000 jobs already delivered by the renewable energy industry in Scotland each year.
Today’s announcement from the Department for Energy and Net Zero comes after two Scottish offshore wind projects secured 1.5 GW in a similar auction last month.
The UK Government’s CfD scheme is a financial agreement that supports low-carbon electricity generators by providing a guaranteed price determined through competitive auctions, shielding both projects and consumers from volatile market prices, and ensuring new renewable generation is delivered at best value to consumers.
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:
“Today’s auction result is another strong step towards energy independence and will galvanise continued activity throughout the supply chain.
“Scotland’s onshore wind sector continues to lead the UK market with 1.1 GW of projects procured today. This builds on our strong capabilities here in Scotland to deploy onshore wind at a scale that delivers clear benefits for consumers and the wider economy.
“Solar power has an important role to play in meeting our future energy needs and the 11 projects that secured contracts will build investor confidence for the sector.
“Scotland’s remarkable marine energy resource gives our tidal sector huge global potential and we are delighted that Orbital has received a contract for its 2.4 MW Eday 5 project in Orkney.
“To build on the success of AR7 across all technologies, we urge the UK Government to remain closely engaged with industry to deliver the solutions that tackle highly volatile network charges to ensure future capacity is secured at best value to consumers.”