The first step to be considered for a CfD award in the upcoming UK CfD Allocation Round 8 (AR8) is the participation and qualification for the Clean Industry Bonus.
This is now open for application from today, 13 to 21 May, with results expected by end-June. The government’s initial budget of GBP 200m suggests an equally ambitious outcome for the allocation of CIB's additional support awards to last year’s.
However, there are still questions luring ahead of the CfD AR8 application window itself, now expected to open on 20 July 2026 (tentative date):
🔹 Government decision on CfD scheme amendments, including increased flexibility in floating project’s CfD contracts and the inclusion of a third offshore wind category named ‘Other deep-water’ offshore wind (reach out for Aegir’s assessment of this new category).
🔹 Indicative timeline, including when bidders can expect to learn about the initial budget.
🔹 Full knowledge on competitors in the floating category with a potential entry of commercial-scale projects if consenting allows it post-local elections.
Aegir Insights has published an early view on the competitive fixed-bottom landscape for AR8, as well as an analysis of the potential impact of “other deep-water” offshore wind technologies if introduced, including proposed regulatory amendment, foundation concepts and potential impact near- and longer term.
Want to get AR8-ready?
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