Why did Seagreen wind farm delay starting its government price-capping contract?

Seagreen delayed starting its contract for difference (CfD) to sell electricity in the wholesale market at higher prevailing prices—averaging £88/MWh—rather than under the fixed £58/MWh CfD rate, exploiting a now-closed loophole that allowed postponement of contract start dates to capture greater profitability amid soaring UK power prices.

What is the significance of the Seagreen wind farm’s 13% delayed contract capacity?

The delayed contract covers about 13% of Seagreen’s total capacity—the portion subject to the government’s price-capping mechanism—and reflects a strategic decision by its owners (SSE, TotalEnergies, and PTT) to forgo guaranteed but lower CfD revenue in favor of higher short-term market returns, highlighting tensions between investor incentives and consumer protection in the UK’s renewable subsidy framework.

SSE and TotalEnergies UK Wind Farm Delays Profit-Capping Contract

Apr 27, 2026

SSE and TotalEnergies delayed a fixed-price electricity contract for their Seagreen wind farm to capitalize on higher market rates, exploiting regulatory loopholes amidst soaring natural gas and power prices.

bloomberg

2025-11-06

TotalEnergies Lifts Force Majeure on French EVA Plant

2025-11-26

TotalEnergies maintains Antwerp toluene output as 2026 supply worries persist

2026-01-17

TotalEnergies declares force majeure on EVA at Gonfreville, France

2026-01-21

TotalEnergies and Bapco Energies Establish Joint Venture for Oil Trading

2026-03-20

TotalEnergies and Plastic Energy Start Up Grandpuits Advanced Recycling Plant