A new IRENA study reveals that hybrid solar and wind systems with storage can deliver continuous, cost-effective electricity, challenging the notion that renewables can’t provide always-on power for industry amid falling costs and geopolitical shifts.
A new IRENA study suggests the economics of clean power are moving into a new phase: in the best solar and wind locations, renewable electricity paired with batteries can now deliver dependable 24-hour supply at a lower cost than new fossil-fuel generation.
According to the agency’s report, 24/7 Renewables: The Economics of Firm Solar and Wind, hybrid systems combining solar, wind and storage can produce firm power for about $54 to $82 per megawatt-hour in prime resource regions. That compares with roughly $70 to $85 per megawatt-hour for new coal plants in China and more than $100 per megawatt-hour for new gas plants globally.
The significance for industrial decarbonisation is hard to overstate. For years, critics have argued that renewables could cut emissions but not provide the always-on electricity required by heavy industry, digital infrastructure and other power-intensive operations. IRENA’s analysis challenges that assumption by showing how storage can turn variable generation into a dispatchable asset.
The report also points to how quickly the underlying economics have shifted. Since 2010, IRENA says solar project installation costs have fallen by 87%, onshore wind by 55% and battery storage by 93%. Those declines reflect a combination of technological progress, better manufacturing scale and more efficient supply chains, making firm clean power increasingly viable for utilities and large energy users alike.
The agency argues that the case for renewables is not only financial but strategic. Recent geopolitical shocks and fuel price volatility have exposed the risks of relying on imported coal and gas, while solar and wind resources are locally available and less vulnerable to global market disruption.
For manufacturers, data centres and other operators that need predictable electricity, the report suggests hybrid renewable systems are becoming a practical route to lower costs and lower emissions at the same time. IRENA also notes that such projects can often be built within two years, far faster than many conventional power stations.
Looking ahead, the agency expects firm renewable costs to fall by another 30% by 2030 and nearly 40% by 2035. It is urging governments to speed up permitting, upgrade grids and step up investment in clean energy infrastructure, arguing that the next stage of the energy transition will depend as much on system design as on generation technology.
- https://solarquarter.com/2026/05/07/irena-report-says-24-7-solar-and-wind-power-now-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2026/May/24-7-Renewables-Outcompete-Fossil-Fuels-on-Firm-Costs – A recent IRENA report confirms that solar and wind energy, when combined with battery storage, can deliver reliable, round-the-clock electricity at costs lower than fossil fuels. In prime solar and wind regions, hybrid solutions with storage provide firm levelised costs of electricity between USD 54 and USD 82 per megawatt-hour, compared to USD 70–85 per MWh for new coal in China and over USD 100 per MWh for new gas globally. The report highlights the rapid decline in renewable energy costs, driven by technological advancements, and projects further cost reductions by 2030 and 2035. It also underscores the strategic importance of renewable energy in enhancing energy security and resilience against geopolitical tensions and fuel price volatility. The report advocates for accelerating the transition to renewable energy by simplifying project approvals, modernising electricity grids, and increasing investment in clean energy infrastructure.
- https://www.renewableinstitute.org/new-irena-report-confirms-renewables-more-cost-effective-than-fossil-fuels/ – The Renewable Energy Institute reports on IRENA’s latest findings, which confirm that hybrid solutions of solar and wind power, coupled with energy storage, can provide 24/7 power at a lower cost than fossil fuels. The report compares the levelised costs of electricity for each option: solar with storage comes in at $54-82 per megawatt-hour, whereas it is $70-85 comparatively for new coal and $100 for new gas. The cheaper cost of renewables is largely attributed to falling installed costs, shorter construction timelines, and improvements to manufacturing scale and supply chain integration. Long-term projections suggest the cost will continue to fall, reducing by a further 40% by 2035. The report also highlights how a 24/7 renewable model can still serve sectors with high needs in terms of power usage, such as artificial intelligence and data centres, addressing concerns that renewables cannot keep up with increasing global power requirements.
- https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2026/May/IRENA_TEC_24-7_renewables_2026.pdf – IRENA’s report, ’24/7 Renewables: The Economics of Firm Solar and Wind’, examines the cost-effectiveness of combining solar and wind energy with battery storage to provide reliable, round-the-clock electricity. The report finds that in high-quality solar and wind regions, hybrid solutions with storage can deliver firm levelised costs of electricity between USD 54 and USD 82 per megawatt-hour, which is lower than the costs of new coal and gas power plants. The report also highlights the rapid decline in renewable energy costs, driven by technological advancements, and projects further cost reductions by 2030 and 2035. It underscores the strategic importance of renewable energy in enhancing energy security and resilience against geopolitical tensions and fuel price volatility. The report advocates for accelerating the transition to renewable energy by simplifying project approvals, modernising electricity grids, and increasing investment in clean energy infrastructure.
- https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2025/Jul/91-Percent-of-New-Renewable-Projects-Now-Cheaper-Than-Fossil-Fuels-Alternatives – IRENA’s 2025 report confirms that renewables maintain their cost leadership in global power markets, with cost declines driven by technological innovation, competitive supply chains, and economies of scale. In 2024, solar photovoltaics (PV) were, on average, 41% cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternatives, while onshore wind projects were 53% cheaper. Onshore wind remained the most affordable source of new renewable electricity at USD 0.034/kWh, followed by solar PV at USD 0.043/kWh. The addition of 582 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2024 led to significant cost savings, avoiding fossil fuel use valued at about USD 57 billion. Notably, 91% of new renewable power projects commissioned last year were more cost-effective than any new fossil fuel alternatives. The report also highlights the strategic importance of renewable energy in enhancing energy security and resilience against geopolitical tensions and fuel price volatility.
- https://www.renewableinstitute.org/91-of-new-renewables-now-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels/ – The Renewable Energy Institute reports on IRENA’s 2025 findings, confirming that renewables have firmly maintained their cost leadership in global power markets. In 2024, solar photovoltaic systems were, on average, 41% cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternatives, while onshore wind projects were 53% cheaper. Onshore wind held its place as the most affordable source of new electricity at just USD 0.034/kWh, closely followed by solar PV at USD 0.043/kWh. With 91% of new renewable capacity now cheaper than fossil fuel-based generation, the data reveals that the global energy transition is no longer just an environmental imperative, it’s a financial one. The report also highlights the strategic importance of renewable energy in enhancing energy security and resilience against geopolitical tensions and fuel price volatility.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article references a press release from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) dated 6 May 2026, confirming the freshness of the information. ([irena.org](https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2026/May/24-7-Renewables-Outcompete-Fossil-Fuels-on-Firm-Costs?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. These quotes are consistent with the IRENA press release. ([irena.org](https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2026/May/24-7-Renewables-Outcompete-Fossil-Fuels-on-Firm-Costs?utm_source=openai)) However, the exact wording of the quotes in the article matches the press release, suggesting potential reuse of content. This raises concerns about originality.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The primary source is the IRENA press release, a reputable international organisation. However, the article is published on SolarQuarter, a niche publication. While SolarQuarter focuses on solar energy, its reach and audience are limited compared to major news organisations. This affects the overall reliability of the source.
Plausibility check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the cost-competitiveness of 24/7 renewable energy are plausible and align with current industry trends. The article provides specific figures and projections that are consistent with the IRENA press release. ([irena.org](https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2026/May/24-7-Renewables-Outcompete-Fossil-Fuels-on-Firm-Costs?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents information from the IRENA press release dated 6 May 2026, confirming the freshness of the content. However, the direct reuse of quotes from the press release without independent verification raises concerns about originality and source independence. The reliance on a niche publication like SolarQuarter further affects the overall reliability of the source. Given these issues, the content does not meet the necessary standards for publication under our editorial indemnity.
