Tue, 10 Feb 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 More solar farms on the way after record renewables auction

The results have been welcomed by climate and clean energy groups but could face opposition from local communities.

* The UK government has awarded contracts to 157 new solar farms across England, Scotland, and Wales.
* These projects will add 4.9GW of capacity to the country's solar power generation, up from 3.3GW in the previous auction.
* The projects have already been granted planning permission and are set to be delivered over the next few years.
* The government aims to meet its target of at least 95% of Great Britain's electricity coming from "clean" sources by 2030.
* Solar power cannot be relied on throughout the year, but can complement wind power during summer months when wind speeds tend to be lower.
* The government has also awarded contracts for onshore wind and tidal power projects.
* The solar projects will receive a fixed price of £65 per megawatt-hour of electricity generated, while onshore wind projects will get £72/MWh.
* Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the deals would drive down bills and protect families and businesses from fossil fuel prices.
* Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho disagreed, saying that the true cost of these power sources is higher than claimed by the government.
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