Recording of Monday, June 22, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 10:27 .

UK Renewable Energy Market and Dynamics

The UK has established a robust market for renewable energy through the Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism, which operates on a fixed-price basis with government-determined auction clearing prices. Introduced in 2014, the renewable energy auction system enables separate funding for various technologies, promoting competition and encouraging investment. The market has significantly evolved, particularly with onshore wind and solar energy joining auctions, enhancing their competitive pricing alongside offshore wind. Recent trends reveal a notable decline in costs for renewable technologies, making onshore solar the most affordable electricity generation method. The success of the solar sector is evident with record-breaking auction results, including nearly 5 gigawatts auctioned in 2022. However, challenges such as rising grid connection costs, political uncertainties around contract stability, and the need for finalized connection agreements are impeding project bids. The government is expediting upcoming auctions to bolster renewable deployment, although industry concerns about bidding confidence due to these economic dynamics persist.

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Speaker

Chris Hewett
CEO
Solar Energy UK
United Kingdom

Talk of session: Auctions and CfDs: The Strategic Role of CfDs and Tenders for Solar plus Storage in the Energy Transition

As merchant and PPA revenues decline amid negative price trends and falling capture rates, auctions and Contracts for Difference (CfDs) are regaining strategic importance for large-scale solar and storage projects. CfDs remain the backbone of renewable financing, providing price certainty and lowering capital costs. At the same time, auction models must evolve to incentivize flexibility and prevent grid congestion. New EU rules permit non-price criteria in tenders and other publicprocurement processes in order to strengthen resilience and support EU supply chains. This session examines how auctions and CfDs can secure clean capacity, integrate storage and reinforce Europe's energy security and competitiveness.

Key topics:

• Auctions / CfDs in a low capture price environment
• European auction landscape overview
• Incentivizing flexibility and storage
• Non-price criteria and resilience requirements
• The role of auctions in energy security and industrial policy

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Tobias Biller
Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager
RWE Renewables Europe & Australia GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Europe's Solar Lifeline: The Critical Role of Renewable Auctions Through 2035

Speaker

Victoria Ortega
Analyst, European Power & Renewables, Solar
Wood Mackenzie
United Kingdom

To Talk

Italy`s Strategy on Solar & Battery Storage Auctions

Speaker

To Talk

Panel Discussion: Discussing the Strategic Role of CfDs and Auctions for Solar & Storage

To Talk