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from the job-of-the-future-solar-panel-washer dept.
Most new wind and solar projects will be cheaper than coal, report finds:
Almost two-thirds of wind and solar projects built globally last year will be able to generate cheaper electricity than even the world's cheapest new coal plants, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).
The agency found that the falling cost of new windfarms and solar panels meant 62% of new renewable energy projects could undercut the cost of up to 800 gigawatts (GW) worth of coal plants, or almost enough to supply the UK's electricity needs 10 times over.
Solar power costs fell by 16% last year, according to the report, while the cost of onshore wind dropped 13% and offshore wind by 9%.
In less than a decade the cost of large-scale solar power has fallen by more than 85% while onshore wind has fallen almost 56% and offshore wind has declined by almost 48%. Francesco La Camera, Irena's director general, said the agency's latest research proved the world was "far beyond the tipping point of coal".
He said: "Today renewables are the cheapest source of power. Renewables present countries tied to coal with an economically attractive phase-out agenda that ensures they meet growing energy demand, while saving costs, adding jobs, boosting growth and meeting climate ambition."
(Score: 2, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Friday June 25 2021, @02:43PM
Yes. Hydro. Hydro can be augmented with wind and solar. Actually, wind and solar *MULTIPLIES* the power you can from hydro. Hydro is designed currently to provide steady power. But extra turbines can be added and suddenly hydro can do a multiple, depending on outflow limits that do not cause flooding.
Since solar and wind can provide enough power to allow the flow to be reduced allowing the reservoir to recharge, you have a perfect multiplier for intermittent energy source.
So now you see how solar and wind and hydro can provide a lot more baseload than otherwise would be possible with just hydro? If the area can hit 20-40% hydro baseload, you can go past 100% when augmenting with wind and solar.