Offshore wind: 8.4 GW awarded at the latest UK auction (AR7), a record outcome

A record 8.4 GW offshore wind capacity was awarded in the latest UK auction (AR7), announced the UK government on 14/01/2026. The tender awarded six onshore wind projects (8.2 GW) and two floating projects (200 MW).

"The results represent the largest single award of offshore wind capacity in UK and European history, against a backdrop of global challenges for the sector. They demonstrate confidence in the UK's new phase of sovereignty and energy capacity," said the UK Government.

According to WindEurope, 19 projects with a total capacity of 24 GW were eligible for this auction round. The average price of the projects selected was £90.91/MWh (€104.5/MWh), which is 40% lower than the LCOE (Levelized cost of energy) of a gas-fired power station, estimated at £147/MWh (€169.1/MWh), and 30% lower than that of new nuclear power stations, estimated at £124/MWh (€142.6/MWh).

The selected projects will mobilise £22bn (€25.3bn) of private investment and 7,000 skilled jobs in the country.

No projects were awarded in the fifth offshore wind tender round (AR5) in 2023. "The following round…