The latest round of the CfD scheme has seen almost 11GW of renewable energy capacity secured, close to double the figure from the previous auction. The contracts under the fourth round of the CfD scheme include almost 7GW of capacity from offshore wind projects, but the Government said the round also delivered energy from a greater number of technologies than ever before. Onshore wind and solar energy were both included for the first time since 2015. The fourth round also saw tidal stream and floating offshore wind projects successful. Overall, 93 projects with existing planning permission across England, Scotland and Wales won contracts, which is more than in all 3 previous rounds combined. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The more cheap, clean power we generate within our own borders, the better protected we will be from volatile gas prices that are pushing up bills. “Thanks to this record renewable energy auction, we have secured almost 11GW of clean, home-grown electricity – which would provide as much power as around 6 gas fired power stations.” RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said: “Thanks to the rapid construction times of renewables, billpayers will start to feel the benefits of this auction next year. “The auction also showed that the UK is maintaining its position as a world leader in innovative renewable energy technologies like tidal stream and floating wind, which will both play an increasingly significant role in our transition to clean power to meet our net zero goal.”
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