50W solar and wind energy prices

According to the Draft National Electricity Plan 2022, the capital cost of solar power and wind power projects is expected to reach Rs 53.3 million per MW and Rs 77.9 million per MW respectively by 2031-32. The capital cost of wind projects is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.64 per cent till 2031-32.

In 2022, materials (43.5 per cent) and labour (18.2 per cent) constituted the largest share of wind turbine costs. According to the Draft National Electricity Plan 2022, the capital cost of solar power and wind power projects is expected to reach Rs 53.3 million per MW and Rs 77.9 million per MW respectively by 2031-32.

Between 2022 and 2023, utility-scale solar PV projects showed the most significant decrease (by 12%). For newly commissioned onshore wind projects, the global weighted average LCOE fell by 3% year-on-year; whilst for offshore wind, the cost of electricity of new projects decreased by 7% compared to 2022.

In real terms (i.e. excluding the impact of inflation), the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is expected to increase in most large solar PV and wind markets, excluding China. The higher cost of capital could offset most of the cost decreases resulting from lower commodity prices and further technology innovation in the next two years.

Over the same period, costs for onshore wind projects declined by 56%, from $0.089/kWh to $0.039/kWh. “The last decade has seen [concentrating solar power], offshore wind and utility-scale solar PV all join onshore wind in the cost range for new capacity fired by fossil fuels, when calculated without the benefit of financial support.

Consequently, the average LCOE for utility-scale PV and wind could be 10-15% higher in 2024 than it was in 2020. Although their costs continue to exceed pre Covid-19 levels, solar PV and onshore wind remain the cheapest option for new electricity generation in most countries.