UK secures record offshore wind supply as prices rise

The government says a recent auction secured 8.4GW of offshore wind, including the first phase of Berwick Bank, while the sector faces higher project costs and critics warn contracts may lock in elevated prices.

The UK government announced it secured 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity in a record auction. Officials say wind projects are cheaper than new gas and will help the country meet its clean power aims. The auction included projects in England, Scotland and Wales, notably the first phase of Berwick Bank. The sector has seen rising costs, and some political opponents said the awarded contracts risk locking in higher prices. Key facts: - The auction awarded 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity, described by officials as a record outcome. - The largest successful scheme in this round is the first phase of Berwick Bank, a major planned North Sea project. - The government frames the projects as supporting its target for a high share of clean electricity by 2030, including a goal of 43GW of offshore wind. - Developers still need to build projects and connect them to the grid, and analysts say getting this capacity online by 2030 will be extremely challenging. Summary: The auction increases the pipeline of offshore wind and helps keep the 2030 offshore target within reach, but higher project costs and the need for grid connections mean timelines and final impacts remain uncertain. Undetermined at this time.