Next CfD round to be brought forward to boost security

The Government has announced it is bringing forward the next CfD renewables auction round to accelerate progress on energy security.

Allocation Round 8 will open in July this year as part of a package of measures unveiled by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband amid the Middle East crisis.

“Global events demonstrate there’s not a moment to waste in our drive for clean power because there can be no energy security while we are so dependent on fossil fuels,” he said.

Industry body RenewableUK welcomed the move and estimated there could be up to 18 offshore wind farms potentially competing for contracts, alongside new onshore wind and solar sites.

The AR7 round in January delivered the biggest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history.

Other plans announced by the Government include allowing ‘plug-in solar’ - low cost solar panels that can be used on balconies or outdoor spaces - will be made available in the UK for the first time.