AR8 Contracts for Difference auction results likely to slip into 2027

# What happened

# Why the timetable changed Officials were unable to publish the auction notice because not all applicants were deemed eligible. When a developer requests a non-qualification review — known as a Tier 1 review — the department cannot open the sealed bidding window until the review is resolved. With the current appeal in place, the earliest the bidding window can be authorised is 22–28 October.

# What the new dates mean Following the official timetable tied to the third timeline, results would be published at the earliest between 4–6 January 2027. However, sources cited by reNEWS say more than one developer historically uses appeals at this stage, and additional challenges could trigger a Tier 2 appeals process. If that happens, the results could slip to as late as 15–17 February 2027.

# How industry participants view the situation People in the sector told reNEWS they expect timeline four or five is possible because developers at this stage have little downside in pursuing appeals to a full conclusion. One source said errors in some applications were behind the move to the later timetable.

# Official position A DESNZ spokesperson told reNEWS the department will confirm which timeline it will follow in due course. No firm dates were announced at the time of reporting.

# Practical implications

• Developers and investors should plan for later revenue certainty: a delay moves strike-price awards and project planning timelines into the new year.
• Programme sequencing for grid connections, consenting and finance milestones may need reprioritising if results land in January or February.
• If further appeals occur, expect additional slippage and adjust project and procurement schedules accordingly.

# Bottom line An eligibility appeal has moved AR8 off its earliest schedule and created a realistic possibility that auction results will be announced in the first two months of 2027 rather than in December 2026. DESNZ will set the definitive timetable once it concludes the non-qualification review process or confirms which preset timeline it will follow.