Government awards funding to renewables projects

A record number of renewable energy projects have been given funding from the government's flagship renewables scheme, which is intended to grow the economy, achieve net zero, protect families and businesses from volatile global gas prices, and strengthen energy security.

95 projects have been successful from the first annual Contracts for Difference round.

The latest round had budget funding of £227 million and has secured enough to power the equivalent of 2 million homes.

Geothermal projects have been awarded funding for the first time, alongside solar power, onshore wind and tidal energy schemes.

The Contracts for Difference scheme launched in 2014 and ensures projects receive a guaranteed price from the government for the electricity they will generate.

Energy and climate change minister Graham Stuart said: "We are delighted that our first annual Contracts for Difference auction has seen a record number of successful projects across solar, onshore wind, tidal power and, for the first time, geo-thermal.

"Offshore wind is central to our ambitions to decarbonise our electricity supply and our ambition to build 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating wind, remains firm. The UK installed 300 new turbines last year and we will work with industry to make sure we retain our global leadership in this vital technology.

"This year’s record breaking CfD round builds on years of renewables growth under this government. Just 7% of our electricity came from renewables in 2010, yet in the first quarter of this year it reached 48% and this first annual auction will allow us to go further in powering more of Britain from Britain."

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