Offshore Wind Auction Flops as UK Renewable Goals Take a Hit
The UK’s latest offshore wind auction ended in a shock no-show for new projects, throwing a spanner in the works for the nation’s green energy targets. No developers stepped up to clinch new offshore wind farm deals. Instead, the government handed contracts to solar, tidal, onshore wind, and geothermal projects.
No Bids for Offshore Wind
The auction results revealed a glaring absence of offshore wind bids. Critics slam the government’s electricity price offer as too low to make offshore wind financially viable for developers. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero blamed global inflation and supply chain issues for the chilling effect on new projects.
“A global rise in inflation has presented challenges for projects,” the government said.
More Solar, Tidal & Onshore Wind, but Offshore Wind Left Out
While floating offshore wind was totally missing from the approved projects, the government pointed out that similar quiet offshore results have hit countries like Germany and Spain. Meanwhile, solar power, onshore wind, tidal, and the rarer geothermal projects scored big wins. Geothermal power taps into the earth’s heat to generate electricity — a fresh face in the UK renewables mix.
Big Blow to UK’s 2030 Offshore Wind Target
This absence of new offshore wind deals throws serious doubt on the UK’s goal of 50GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. Current capacity stands around 14GW. Renewable energy experts warn solar and tidal can’t fully compensate for the lost offshore wind megawatts.
Disposable Vape Waste Exploding Across the UK
In other shocking news, a report from campaign group Material Focus revealed the UK is chucking away five million disposable vapes every week — a fourfold surge in just one year. Only 17% of vapers recycle their devices properly in designated bins.
Disposable vapes, intended for limited use, contain valuable materials like copper wires that are going to waste, adding to growing environmental concerns.
