UK Government Secures Record Pipeline of Clean Energy Projects

The UK government has achieved a significant milestone in its clean energy mission by securing a record number of projects through its latest renewables auction.

The auction round resulted in the approval of 131 new green infrastructure projects, including a significant number of onshore wind, solar, and tidal energy projects. These projects have the potential to power the equivalent of 11 million British homes.

This success follows the government’s decision to increase the auction budget by 50%, which has played a crucial role in attracting more renewable energy projects. Offshore wind projects, in particular, have seen a resurgence, with 9 contracts awarded, including the largest and second-largest windfarm projects in Europe.

The government’s efforts to secure clean energy are driven by a commitment to energy independence and energy security. By investing in renewable energy, the UK aims to protect families and businesses from volatile global fossil fuel prices.

The projects awarded in the auction will not only contribute to clean energy generation but also create new green jobs across the country, boosting economic growth in industrial heartlands and rural communities.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We inherited a broken energy policy, including last year’s disastrous auction round which gave us no successful offshore wind projects.”

“Today we have now achieved a record-setting round for enough renewable power for 11 million homes, essential to give energy security to families across the country. It is another significant step forward in our mission for clean power by 2030 – bringing Britain energy independence and lower bills for good.”

“These results show that together, this government and the energy industry are securing investment into our country. This auction has produced a record number of solar projects bolstering our mission for a solar revolution, we have powered forward with onshore wind, secured the largest commercial floating offshore wind project in the world and got the offshore industry back on its feet.”

“As we accelerate our plan for clean power by 2030 the government will work with the industry on how we can build on this success to ensure we can go even further and faster to deliver the power we need.”

The government is now working with the industry to explore ways to further accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and ensure that more projects can be connected to the grid. By taking these steps, the UK can continue to make significant strides towards a clean energy future.