This comprehensive report outlines the cost and performance data for various power generation technologies, focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass.
Are solar PV projects reducing the cost of electricity in 2022?
Between 2022 and 2023, utility-scale solar PV projects showed the most significant decrease (by 12%). For newly commissioned onshore wind projects, the global weighted average LCOE fell by 3% year-on-year; whilst for offshore wind, the cost of electricity of new projects decreased by 7% compared to 2022.
In 2022, the global weighted average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from newly commissioned utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PV), onshore wind, concentrating solar power (CSP), bioenergy and geothermal energy all fell, despite rising materials and equipment costs.
How has the global cost of electricity changed in 2022?
For newly commissioned onshore wind projects, the global weighted-average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) fell by 5% between 2021 and 2022, from USD 0.035/kWh to USD 0.033/kWh. For utility-scale solar PV projects, the global weighted-average LCOE decreased by 3% year-on-year in 2022, to USD 0.049/kWh.
In 2023, the global weighted average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from newly commissioned utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore wind, offshore wind and hydropower fell. Between 2022 and 2023, utility-scale solar PV projects showed the most significant decrease (by 12%).
How conservative are wind energy cost and performance estimates?
The cost and performance estimates in this report are slightly more conservative than previously estimated for wind energy. Improvements seen since have been less than previously estimated, but additional improvement is expected at a slightly slower pace.
Is a lack of grid capacity a challenge for the solar sector?
Krawiec-Rokita also suggested that a lack of available grid capacity in Europe is likely to present a challenge for the solar sector, a conclusion echoed by the Aurora report.