The government will bring forward the next round of renewable energy auctions in a move designed to give investors greater certainty as ministers accelerate the push for energy security.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the next Contracts for Difference auction – Allocation Round 8 – will open in July 2026 earlier than expected.
Officials say the decision is intended to maintain momentum in the UK’s clean power programme following the record results secured in the previous auction.
The most recent allocation round delivered the largest offshore wind procurement in Europe and alongside earlier rounds, confirmed enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 23 million homes.
Miliband said the move reflects the government’s determination to speed up investment in domestic energy as geopolitical tensions continue to drive volatility in global fossil fuel markets.
“Global events demonstrate there’s not a moment to waste in our drive for clean power because there can be no energy security while we are so dependent on fossil fuels,” he said.
The early launch of the next auction forms part of a wider package of measures aimed at strengthening the UK’s energy system.
Miliband also confirmed the government will introduce so called “plug-in solar” devices in Britain for the first time.
The portable panels can be placed on balconies walls or in gardens and plugged directly into a household socket allowing families to generate their own electricity.
The technology is already widely used in parts of Europe with Germany installing around half a million systems last year.
Ministers say it could provide a simple option for renters or flat owners who cannot install rooftop solar.
Alongside the new measures the government said it would continue working with the Competition and Markets Authority to monitor fuel markets.
The regulator has stepped up scrutiny of petrol retailers and heating oil suppliers to ensure firms do not exploit rising energy prices.
Miliband said the clean power drive was ultimately about protecting households from volatile global energy markets.
“Everything we are doing is about one purpose: fighting the corner of the British people by taking back control of our energy.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said moving AR8 forward was the sensible thing to do.
“Now more than ever we must double down on capturing our homegrown energy potential to reduce the impact of global volatility. Attracting new investment for new clean energy projects this summer will be another catalyst for supply chain and workforce growth.
“The UK Government can further strengthen the package of measures… by taking immediate action on transmission charging. The current regime is not fit for purpose and without urgent reform it will significantly restrict the competition and value that can be delivered through Allocation Round 8 for consumers and our energy security.”
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