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The UK government awarded contracts for 8.4 GW of new offshore wind capacity in a record auction aimed at reducing reliance on natural gas. The average strike price was set at £90.91/MWh, an 11% increase from the previous year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the importance of this auction for energy sovereignty and job creation, with 7,000 jobs expected. The auction resulted in significant private investment of £22 billion, with companies like RWE and SSE being major winners.

The contract length was extended to 20 years to attract more bids. The UK aims to achieve a clean power grid by 2030, requiring at least 43 GW of operational offshore wind capacity.