The cost of renewable power: A survey of recent estimates

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an overview and survey of recent, up-to-date estimates of the cost of generating electric power from renewables. The results are based on actual data from projects already implemented or commissioned, and are organised as homogeneously and comparably as possible. Two main cost measures are considered: total capital costs, and its two main components, equipment, and remaining installation costs, and the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE). An extended discussion on the definition and meaning of this latter cost measure is also provided in an appendix. The chapter closes with some reflections and forecasts of the likely scenario for the power business in the coming years.