Sun shines on solar with 2.2 GW auction success

• PV 'huge part of option' to UK energy situation, states SEUK

Solar photovoltaic or pv (PV) projects amounting to 2209MW of capacity have actually been assigned support under the most recent UK Contracts for Difference (CfD) Round 4.

The strike price for solar PV projects in Pot 1 was ₤ 45.99 per megawatt-hour for projects due online in 2023/24 and in 2024/25.

Chris Hewett, president of Solar Energy UK, stated today's statement of over 2GW of solar capacity safeguarded in CfD4 "seals solar as a major part of the option" to Britain's energy safety and security situation.

He claimed solar and wind are now "undeniably" the least expensive, along with the cleanest, ways to power the nation.

Hewett added CfDs are only one way to provide solar.

" There are numerous solar farms already incomplete that will offer their power straight to the market, and rooftop installations are reducing business and home energy bills."

Over 65 private solar PV projects were selected.

The most significant of the projects by capacity is the 112MW Cleve Hillside Solar Project in Kent, south-east England, which was acquired by Quinbrook Partners from Hive Energy in October 2021. It is due online in 2023/24.

Various other projects to protect CfD support consist of Yelvertoft Solar Farm (49.9 MW) in Northampton, possessed by Bluefield Solar Income Fund, due for business operation in 2024/2025, Hasland Solar Farm (49.9 MW), in Derbyshire, being created by Kronos Solar, and Brigstock Solar Farm (49.9 MW) being created by ScottishPower Renewables.

Various other programmers to secure projects in the current CfD public auction include Lightsource BP for its 40MW Thorpe Bank project, the 40MW Cowley House project and also the 49.9 MW Inkersall Grange Solar Farm.

JBM Solar protected several projects, consisting of the 49.9 MW Wick Farm and also the 49.9 MW Corner Copse.

The majority of the projects are located in England, while Scottish projects chosen consist of the 20MW Speyslaw project and the 49.9 MW Milltown Airfield plan.