Remote island wind to compete in CfD

The government has launched a consultation which includes proposals that could allow remote island wind projects to compete for support through the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round.

There are about 75OMW of consented wind capacity that could become eligible for the next auction across remote islands such as the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. These projects have generally favourable wind profiles and could support local supply chains and jobs. However their location presents higher transmission network connection costs than other areas.

There have also been UK and Scottish government estimates that suggest wind projects across such islands could provide as much as 3% of UK electricity demand. The consultation sets out a proposal to redefine remote island wind projects as a ‘new technology’ that could compete in CfD auctions as ‘pot 2’ or ‘less established’ technologies.

Great potential

Lord Duncan, UK government minister for Scotland, said: “Wind projects in the remote islands of Scotland have the potential to generate substantial amounts of electricity and cut emissions, supporting economic growth and delivering lasting benefits for communities.

“Enabling these projects to compete in future auctions will reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in renewable generation, as well as providing Scottish jobs in any projects supported.”

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