Working in the civil nuclear industry
Regulatory compliance requirements for businesses operating in the civil nuclear industry including site licensing, security vetting, liability insurance, …
Energy & Utilities
Energy and utilities
Contracts for Difference (CfD)
The main government support mechanism for new low-carbon electricity generation. CfDs provide long-term price stability for renewable generators through competitive allocation rounds.
UK-wide
Guide summary
Apply for Contracts for Difference (CfD) support if you run a low-carbon electricity project. The application window is 7-27 August 2025. If accepted, you get a fixed electricity price for 20 years.
- Apply between 7-27 August 2025
- 20-year contract for onshore wind, offshore wind and solar
- Strike price guaranteed for 20 years
- Check planning and grid connection requirements
- £295 million available for established technologies
- £160 million minimum for onshore wind
- Results expected December 2025 - February 2026
- New projects in planning can apply
- Extra support for UK supply chain investment
- Sign contract with Low Carbon Contracts Company if successful
On this page
UK-wide
Related guides in Energy Subsidies
Comply as an energy supplier
Selling electricity or gas to customers over the public networks is a licensed activity with heavyweight ongoing obligations. …
How CfDs work
CfDs provide generators with a guaranteed 'strike price' for their electricity. When wholesale prices are below the strike price, generators receive a top-up payment. When prices are above, they pay back the difference.
Allocation Round 7 (AR7)
Key eligibility requirements
- Planning consent (or 12+ months since reaching relevant planning stage for offshore wind)
- Grid connection agreement
- Evidence of project deliverability
-
1
Review Allocation Framework
Review AR7 Allocation Framework and eligibility criteria
-
2
Ensure milestones on track
Ensure planning and grid connection milestones are on track
-
3
Register on CfD portal
Register on CfD Allocation Round portal before application window
-
4
Submit application
Submit application during August 2025 window
-
5
Sign CfD contract
If successful, sign CfD contract with Low Carbon Contracts Company
-
6
Meet commissioning date
Meet Target Commissioning Date to receive payments