The cost of electricity: solar and wind against new fossil fuel plants
What it shows: The average cost of each kilowatt hour of electricity from newly built solar and wind plants for each year since 2010, set against the cost of the cheapest new fossil fuel option in the latest year.
What it means for the planet: When new solar and wind plants make electricity for less than new fossil fuel plants, the switch pays off for the climate and for bills alike.
Keep in mind: Costs are averages across projects and countries, and a plant in a sunny or windy place can cost clearly less or more. Storage and grid upgrades have to be counted separately.
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency: Renewable power generation costs in 2025