Costs for renewables continued to fall in 2021 as supply chain challenges and rising commodity prices have yet to impact project costs fully. The cost of electricity from onshore wind fell by 15%, offshore wind by 13%, and solar PV by 13%, compared to 2020.

Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2021, published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), shows that almost two-thirds of 163 gigawatts (GW) of newly installed renewable power in 2021 had lower costs than the world’s cheapest coal-fired option in the G20. IRENA estimates that, given the current high fossil fuel prices, the renewable power added in 2021 will save around $55 billion from global energy generation costs in 2022.

IRENA’s report confirms the critical role that cost-competitive renewables play in addressing today’s energy and climate emergencies by accelerating the transition in line with the 1.5 °C warming limit and the Paris Agreement goals. Solar and wind energy, with their relatively short project lead times, represent vital planks in countries’ efforts to reduce swiftly and eventually phase out fossil fuels and limit the macroeconomic damages they cause in pursuit of net zero.

“Renewables are by far the cheapest form of power today,” Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, said in a statement. “2022 is a stark example of how economically viable new renewable power generation has become. Renewable power frees economies from volatile fossil fuel prices and imports, curbs energy costs, and enhances market resilience – even more so if today’s energy crunch continues.”

“While a temporary crisis response might be necessary for the current situation, excuses to soften climate goals will not hold mid-to-long term. Today’s situation is a devastating reminder that renewables and energy saving are the future. With the COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE ahead, renewables provide governments with affordable energy to align with net zero and turn their climate promises into concrete action with real benefits for people on the ground,” La Camera added.

As highlighted by IRENA’s costs data, investments in renewables continue to pay huge dividends in 2022.

In non-OECD countries, the 109 GW of renewable energy additions in 2021, which cost less than the cheapest new fossil fuel option, will reduce costs by at least $5.7 billion annually for the next 25-30 years.

High coal and fossil gas prices in 2021 and 2022 will also profoundly deteriorate the competitiveness of fossil fuels and make solar and wind even more attractive. 

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