14 January 2026. Lisbon, Portugal | The UK government has announced the UK and Europe’s largest-ever offshore wind procurement, with 8.4GW of new capacity announced in the results of Allocation Round 7.
Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, said: “The results of the UK’s record-breaking auction today mean offshore wind is back with a bang. The auction shows firm backing for offshore wind and the fundamental role the technology plays in powering the UK’s economy and moving decisively to ensure the country’s energy security. The new projects unlocked by AR7 will bring billions of pounds of investment to the UK, further growing the UK’s domestic supply chain.
“Moreover, these results show that the economic argument for offshore wind is as strong as it has ever been. The UK has secured a new era of electricity generation at the lowest possible price at a time when demand for both electricity and this new generation capability is going up. The two floating offshore wind projects also put the United Kingdom at the forefront of the next era of offshore wind development.
“A strike price of £91 is 40% lower than the alternative cost of building and operating a new gas plant in the United Kingdom. Offshore wind will also be delivering energy to the grid by the end the decade, whereas alternatives face long delays. Bills will come down for consumers and businesses, while the growing industry creates thousands of jobs across the country as the supply chain expands. The UK has long been at the front-edge of this surging industry, and these auction results align it with forward-focused economies across the world that are embracing onshore and offshore wind energy and other renewable sources as the foundation of their future growth.
“GWEC notes the UK Secretary of State for Energy calling out a co-ordinated, well-funded misinformation campaign against both him and offshore wind. It is important that governments acknowledge the forces fighting to maintain the status quo of high prices, volatile energy resources and geopolitical insecurity for their citizens. Auctions like today are a clear message that a better future is achievable and deliverable. Offshore wind currently powers 73 million homes around the world; another 100 GW of offshore wind capacity has already been auctioned around the world and now, two weeks into 2026 the UK government has announced 8.4 GW more in the largest-ever auction of offshore wind in Europe. The unhelpful noise is loud, but the reality of the modern energy system is getting louder.
“The positive round of results also enhances the UK’s status as a destination for investment in offshore wind energy, further securing the country’s position as a Global supply chain hub.
“In cementing its offshore wind leadership with these results, the UK the UK is in good company; – countries like Germany and Portugal in the European Area, China, Vietnam and the Philippines in the APAC Region, and Brazil, Chile and Colombia in Latin America – are all choosing wind to power their economic growth, new jobs and secure clean energy for homes and businesses.”