UK Advances Next Offshore Wind Auction to July 2026 Amid Middle East Crisis Response
WIND ENERGY
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the next Contracts for Difference auction in the UK will be brought forward to July 2026 in response to the Middle East crisis. The previous round, AR7, secured contracts for 8.4GW of offshore wind, 1.3GW of onshore wind, and 4.9GW of solar.
The UK currently relies on imports for approximately 45% of its energy needs. The government will also permit the sale of small 'plug-in' solar kits and aims to expedite renewable and nuclear project approvals by 2027, addressing concerns from nature NGOs regarding ecosystem impacts.

Mar 17, 2026, 6:17 AM