## 5 Conclusions  
Application of the LCOE metric is always regarded as an assumption. Yet, the use of LCOE is widespread, with numerous iterations occurring. This investigation has found a range of scenarios at which zero subsidy bids are applicable under the CfD policy. From Case Study A, it is recommended a proposed windfarm have operational capacity ranging between 600-1000 MW as shown in Figure 4b. Thus, significantly reducing any LCOE evaluation. Any further increase in generational capacity will produce diminishing returns. When selecting a turbine for a proposed windfarm, it is recommended from Case Study B that turbines with a minimum rated capacity factor of 40% be selected. Turbine degradation at this range will only produce a marginal LCOE depreciation as shown in Table 1 on a yearly basis. In Case Study C, it is concluded that there is a direct correlation between discount rate and the CAPEX cost as shown in Figure 5. The LCOE figure is more significant the greater the discount rate. In context, the only identifiable regions at which a reasonable level of discount rate occurs is at very low-cost expectations. From the investigation of subsidy free bids for offshore windfarms, it is recommended that, where economically viable, a net zero CfD balance of system scheme be implemented by the UK government. A net zero CfD will provide an upsurge in expansion for offshore wind over current CfD agreements. The consequent reduction in auction price bid price would free up additional funding for other windfarms under the sectoral marine plan that are not applicable to a subsidy free model. Moreover, ultimately reducing consumer costs and carbon emissions. However, a net zero CfD is limited. A significant reduction in cost is necessary, high net turbine capacity factors are required. Additionally, policies such as revenue stabilization and access to alternative revenue streams are required in correlation with expected cost reductions to help lower the appreciable discount rate. Nevertheless, the generator/owner will still be provided with a guaranteed source of revenue that should assist in mitigating some of the added risk. Further work to be carried out that can reinforce the zero-subsidy model application, include:  
* Brexit analysis on cost services and government policy changes. * Integrating the Monte-Carlo method to provide the likelihood of each subsidy model occurring within a defined set of parameters. * Find detailed financial parameters to support more accurate LCOE evaluation. * Detailed analysis of policy integration required. * Operator/owner survey of possible scenario outcomes for future developments. The authors express caution when taking values produced in this paper, hence, the analysis of zero bid proposal and LCOE assumptions are speculative and are based upon the authors' analyses. Conceptualization, C.S. and A.S.A. ; methodology, C.S. and A.S.A. ; software, C.S. ; validation, F.M.-S. and A.S.A. ; formal analysis, C.S. ; investigation, C.S. ; resources, C.S. and A.S.A. ; data curation, C.S. and F.M.-S.; writing--original draft preparation, C.S. ; writing--review and editing, C.S., F.M.-S., M.A., J.A.-A.-R., A.S.A., M.F.M.S., M.K.R., M.N.M. and M.Z. ; visualization, C.S. and F.M.-S.; supervision, A.S.A. and M.K.R. ; project administration, F.M.-S. and A.S.A. ; funding acquisition, F.M.-S., A.S.A., J.A.-R., M.N.M. and M.Z. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. K.M.S. acknowledged the contribution from Edinburgh Napier University through Starter Research and Innovation Grants (Reference No REG2021/22). M.N.M. acknowledged the support from Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia under Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (R.K130000.7856.5F406). M.Z. appreciated the support from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia under TIER 1 (Vot H930). The Article Processing Charges (APC) are funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID) through the projects Fondecyt regular 1200055 and Fondef ID19 II0165. Not applicable.