Coal power is becoming uncompetitive
Renewables competitive with cheapest fossil fuels – Irena
Costs could fall even further, based on analysis of data from some utility-scale solar PV projects
New solar and wind projects are increasingly undercutting even the cheapest and least sustainable of existing coal-fired power plants, according to a new study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). Irena analysis suggests at least 800GW of existing coal-fired capacity has operating costs higher than new utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind, including integration costs. Replacing this capacity would cut annual system costs by $32bn/yr and reduce annual CO₂ emissions by around 3gt. In 2020, the global weighted-average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from new capacity additions of onshore wind declined year-on-year by 13pc, to $0.039/kWh. Those for offshor
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation
