Coal and Renewables at “Crossover Point,” According to Report

Industry News / Industry Statistics

March 25, 2019

Coal and Renewables at “Crossover Point,” According to Report

Almost three-quarters of U.S. coal production is now more expensive than solar and wind energy, according to a new report by Energy Innovation.

Comparing the cost of energy from coal plants to wind and solar options within a 35-mile radius, the study found that 211 gigawatts of U.S. coal electrical generation (74 percent) is more expensive than wind or solar.

Looking ahead to 2025, the report projects that solar and wind generation will be less expensive than all coal plants, even when factoring in the cost to build and install new wind turbines and solar panels.

Renewables currently account for about 17 percent of U.S. power generation, with the bulk coming from hydro and wind. Solar accounts for a small, but growing, share.

To read the report, click here.

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