The UK has secured a record volume of new offshore wind capacity through its latest Government-backed auction, marking the largest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history.
Under Allocation Round 7, the auction has delivered 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity, enough to generate clean electricity for the equivalent of 12 million homes. The projects will play a central role in strengthening the UK’s energy security, reducing reliance on volatile international energy markets, and lowering electricity bills over the long term.
The new offshore wind farms are distributed across the UK, delivering generation close to major demand centres in the South East of England while also driving investment and economic benefits in Scotland and Wales. The developments come at a critical time, with several ageing gas and nuclear power stations expected to retire during the 2030s and national electricity demand forecast to rise sharply.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the outcome as a decisive step towards energy independence and clean power. He said: “This is a historic win for those who want Britain to stand on our own two feet, controlling our own energy rather than depending on markets controlled by petrostates and dictators. It is a monumental step towards clean power by 2030, and the price secured in this auction is 40% lower than the alternative cost of building and operating a new gas plant. Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for this country to bring down bills for good, and this auction will create thousands of jobs throughout Britain.”
The scale and pricing achieved through Allocation Round 7 underline offshore wind’s growing role as a cornerstone of the UK’s future energy system, combining affordability, security, and long-term economic value.
