The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published the results of Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7, with outcomes issued to applicants by the National Energy System Operator acting as delivery body. The round has awarded contracts to a total of 8,437.5 MW of offshore wind and floating offshore wind capacity across England, Scotland and Wales. Offshore wind projects in Pot 3 account for the majority of awards, alongside two floating offshore wind projects supported under Pot 4.
In Wales, the Awel y Môr offshore wind farm secured a contract for 775 MW. Scotland’s Berwick Bank Phase B was awarded 1,380 MW. In England, Dogger Bank South East secured 1,500 MW and Dogger Bank South West secured a further 1,500 MW.
The Norfolk Vanguard projects in England were awarded across multiple units. Norfolk Vanguard East received contracts for Unit A at 1,380 MW, Unit B at 90 MW and Unit C at 75 MW. Norfolk Vanguard West secured contracts for Unit A at 1,380 MW, Unit B at 90 MW and Unit C at 75 MW.
Delivery years for Pot 3 offshore wind projects range from 2028/29 to 2030/31. Strike prices for offshore wind in Pot 3 cleared at £65.45 per MWh in 2012 prices, equivalent to £91.20 per MWh in 2024 prices, with Berwick Bank Phase B clearing at £64.23 per MWh in 2012 prices, or £89.49 per MWh in 2024 prices.
Pot 4 awards were made to two floating offshore wind projects. The Erebus project in Wales secured a contract for 100 MW, while the Pentland floating offshore wind project in Scotland was awarded 92.5 MW. Both projects are scheduled for delivery in 2029/30, with floating offshore wind clearing at a strike price of £155.37 per MWh in 2012 prices, equivalent to £216.49 per MWh in 2024 prices.
Based on estimates by the National Energy System Operator and assuming all contracts are accepted, the total budget impact increases over time, reaching £1,783,922,266.72 in 2032/33 for Pot 3. Pot 4 budget impacts remain lower, with costs rising from 2029/30 onwards.
By region, England accounts for around 72% of the awarded capacity, followed by Scotland at just over 17% and Wales at just over 10%. Offshore wind represents 8,245 MW of the total, with floating offshore wind contributing 192.5 MW.
