European Energy Wins CfDs For Three UK Solar Farms Totaling 116 MWp At £65.23/MWh In Record-Breaking AR7a Round

European Energy has secured Contracts for Difference (CfDs) for three of its solar power projects in the UK as part of the government’s Allocation Round 7a (AR7a). Together, these projects represent a combined capacity of 116 MWp. The CfDs were awarded to the Church Farm, Manor Farm, and Old Hall Farm solar PV projects, located in Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Leicestershire. All three projects secured contracts at a strike price of £65.23/MWh (2024 prices), which will be index-linked for the full 20-year contract period.

This auction round marked a significant moment for the UK solar sector. In total, 4.9 GW of solar PV capacity won contracts under AR7a— the highest number of individual projects and the largest total capacity awarded to solar in the UK since the CfD program began. The new contracts will give the three European Energy projects long-term price stability and reinforce the company’s long-standing commitment to developing renewable energy assets across the country.

European Energy has been active in the UK for more than ten years, with experience spanning the development, construction, and operation of both wind and solar projects throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. The company continues to expand its presence in the market, with four additional solar farms currently under construction, each supported by corporate power purchase agreements. Beyond this, European Energy is advancing a pipeline that includes 300 MW of solar and battery capacity in the structuring phase and a further 736 MW under development.

Adam Spearey, UK Development Director at European Energy, said the auction results are an important milestone for the company’s UK portfolio. He noted that the long-term revenue stability provided by CfDs will help accelerate the delivery of new, affordable renewable energy projects and the long-lasting economic and social benefits they bring.

Thorvald Spanggaard, Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development, emphasized that the UK continues to be a strategic market for the company. Securing three CfDs in a highly competitive round, he said, reflects the strength of European Energy’s development and M&A capabilities. He added that the company will maintain its long-term approach in the UK by continuing to develop, build, partner on, and divest projects where appropriate. According to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the AR7 auction delivered record levels of new onshore wind and solar capacity, with a total of 14.7 GW of clean energy secured across all technologies.