Energy minister Michael Shanks told delegates at Renewable UK’s Global Offshore Wind summit that price will dominate the upcoming AR8 auction, the next round of offshore wind contracts. He warned the government cannot “pay any price” for new capacity, signalling a shift from earlier rounds where subsidy levels were less scrutinised.

The declaration arrives as the UK faces soaring electricity bills and growing scepticism about its net‑zero timetable. Opposition parties, including Reform UK and Tory shadow secretary Claire Coutinho, have called for cheaper power plans that cut carbon taxes and subsidies. Shanks’ emphasis on cost control aims to defend the offshore wind programme, the country’s backbone for decarbonisation and the world’s second‑largest market after China.

In the January auction, the government secured a record 8.4 GW at an average contract price of £91.20/MWh in England and Wales and £89.49/MWh in Scotland, roughly matching current wholesale rates of £93/MWh. Ministers doubled the budget to lure investors, but Shanks made clear that future price caps are not guaranteed, underscoring that affordable electricity remains central to government policy.