The UK government has opened the application window for Allocation Round 7 (AR7) and 7A of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, accepting submissions until 27 August at 5pm. The CfD program is central to the UK’s strategy to become a clean energy superpower, aiming to significantly expand renewable generation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and shield households from volatile energy prices. AR7 is expected to be the largest auction to date, forming part of a broader plan—spanning AR7 to AR9—to deliver clean power by 2030.
Since its inception, the CfD scheme and its predecessor investment contracts have secured 10GW of operational renewable capacity, with an additional 23GW contracted to be online by 2030. The current rounds will follow one of five possible timelines, depending on whether appeals are lodged after application assessments. By fostering competitive investment in offshore wind, solar, and other low-carbon technologies, the government seeks to accelerate the transition to a net-zero energy system.