The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the Contract Budget Notice and accompanying explanatory note for the seventh Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round (AR7). The notice, issued under Regulation 11 of the Contracts for Difference (Allocation) Regulations 2014, establishes the overall budget and delivery parameters for offshore wind and floating offshore wind projects under AR7. The overall budget available is £1.08bn (2024 prices), comprising £900m for offshore wind (Pot 3) and £180m for floating offshore wind (Pot 4). Delivery years have been set for 2028/29 to 2030/31 (Pot 3) and 2028/29 to 2029/30 (Pot 4), with CfD support awarded for 20 years. DESNZ has also issued related statutory notices covering the pot structure and administrative strike prices (ASPs), standard terms, application window, counterparty costs, contract framework, and clean industry bonus (CIB) framework. These collectively give effect to the launch of AR7 and AR7a (the subsequent round covering non-offshore wind technologies).

DESNZ has published guidance outlining the approval process for heat pump installation certification schemes under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism Regulations 2025, 2025/81. The guidance details requirements for certification schemes, including installation quality standards, conformity assessment by UKAS-accredited bodies, consumer protection measures, and information provisions to the scheme administrator. Schemes must demonstrate compliance with regulation six requirements covering installation standards, consumer redress, and quality assurance. Applications for scheme approval should be submitted to DESNZ.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has issued its response to the consultation on tariff interoperability. The consultation sought views on standardising how suppliers make tariff pricing data available to help support consumer-led flexibility. The consultation received 25 responses with broad support for the policy objectives and the proposed approach to improving access to machine-readable tariff data. DESNZ confirmed changes to the implementation approach, including splitting phase 1 into two stages. Phase 1a, introducing standardised access to public tariff pricing data through supplier APIs, will go live on 18 February 2027, while phase 1b, enabling the sharing of consumer-specific tariff information through Consumer Consent Solution-aligned arrangements, is planned for November 2027 following further consultation later in 2026. DESNZ also confirmed that the new Standard Licence Condition 11C provisions and Retail Energy Code Schedule 35 will be implemented on 18 May 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published statutory notices under the Contracts for Difference (Allocation) Regulations 2014 to establish Allocation Round 7a (AR7a), which applies to all eligible technologies other than offshore wind and floating offshore wind. The notices collectively set the allocation framework, application window, technology pots, administrative strike prices (ASPs), contract budgets, and standard contractual terms for AR7a. DESNZ formally confirmed AR7a as a separate round from AR7 through the Allocation Round Notice issued on 23 July 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) for the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 7 (AR7). This initiative provides additional CfD revenue support to fixed and floating offshore wind applicants who invest in sustainable supply chains. DESNZ has published an allocation framework and guidance detailing how to apply for the CIB, funding allocation, as well as the process for receiving CIB payments, among other matters. It has also published statutory notices required to launch CFD AR7, specifically pertaining to the CIB. The CIB application window is scheduled to open in February 2025. In addition, DESNZ has launched a consultation on proposed additions to the CfD contract to incorporate the CIB mechanism. The consultation aims to gather feedback on the proposed contractual changes that will enable the implementation of the CIB within the existing CfD framework, including payment terms and  performance-related adjustments, among other aspects. The consultation closes on 10 December 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the Clean Flexibility Roadmap, which outlines the UK government’s strategy to deliver a cleaner, more flexible electricity system with reduced energy bills for consumers. Developed by DESNZ, Ofgem and NESO, alongside energy industry stakeholders and consumer groups, the roadmap commits named organisations to specific, timebound actions to unlock flexible electricity capacity to achieve clean power by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on revenue support regulations for greenhouse gas removals (GGRs) and power bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) business models. The consultation seeks views on four key areas: direction to offer to contract, publication of information, counterparty functions and eligibility requirements. Running from 28 April to 9 June 2025, the consultation seeks views from project developers, voluntary carbon market stakeholders, Emission Trading Scheme participants, financial investors and trade associations. DESNZ has published a 29-page consultation document outlining the proposed regulatory framework.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a new Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) investment support scheme aimed at boosting investor confidence and unlocking investment opportunities in vital renewable energy storage technologies and projects. DESNZ has suggested that this could result in the first significant LDES facilities in nearly four decades, creating backup renewable power and bolstering the UK’s energy security. Ofgem will serve as the regulator and delivery body, with the scheme’s first round expected to open for applicants next year. Ofgem will design the scheme, which will be divided into two application routes, one for mature technologies, while the other will be focus on new innovations.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the Non-Pipeline Transport (NPT) Pathfinder selection process for carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) projects seeking connection to the East Coast Cluster (ECC) Teesside network by 2032. This process will assess applications to identify projects that can utilise the remaining capacity at the Endurance offshore site and runs concurrently with the ECC Teesside selection process, which was launched on 5 February 2026. Applications are welcomed in five project categories: power, industrial carbon capture, hydrogen, greenhouse gas removal, and power bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Applicants must submit expressions of interest by 12 May 2026, followed by detailed applications—including project plans, cost assessments, financial statements and supply chain information—by 12 June 2026. An engagement session is scheduled for the week commencing 4 May 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on the implementation of a Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) programme. DESNZ is seeking views on new standards for energy smart appliances and organisations which provide demand side response services or can remotely control electrical load. The SSES programme aims to create technical and regulatory frameworks to enable flexibility from small scale electric devices, such as domestic electric vehicle charge points and heat pumps. The consultation will be of interest to energy and technology companies, energy smart appliance manufacturers, and consumer and environmental groups. The consultation closes on 11 June 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the UK Cleantech Innovation Challenges programme, which will introduce a series of innovation challenges focused on areas identified as critical to the government’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission. The programme aims to support UK cleantech innovation, address areas where innovation is needed to support current and future carbon budgets, and provide support where comparable activity does not already exist.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a consultation to expand the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) by including emissions from international maritime voyages to and from the UK. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on the: overall scope of the scheme with the inclusion of international maritime emissions, adjustments to the UK ETS cap to accommodate these additional emissions, Future scheme reviews in light of measures by the International Maritime Organization and the broader impacts of the proposed changes. The consultation will close on 20 January 2026.