24/7 Clean Power: Battery Storage Makes It Reality

The cost of battery storage has seen a dramatic reduction of 93% since 2010, significantly lowering the overall expense of renewable energy. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports highlight that the combination of solar and wind power with battery storage can now cost-competitively match new coal plants. In many global regions, this clean energy mix is even more affordable than new gas power facilities.

This development directly counters a persistent criticism of renewables: their inability to guarantee consistent, round-the-clock power. IRENA's analysis of 'firm' renewable systems—integrating solar, wind, and batteries—demonstrates their capability to deliver uninterrupted electricity. This enables renewables to store energy during peak generation times and supply it when demand is high or generation dips, reducing reliance on fossil fuel backup plants.

These advancements offer enhanced energy security, mitigating exposure to geopolitical instability, such as disruptions in crucial fossil fuel transit points. As Europe continues to grapple with fossil fuel price volatility linked to international conflicts, countries embracing cleaner energy mixes are realizing substantial savings. Projections indicate that by 2035, large-scale solar and battery projects could offer continuous electricity at under €45 per megawatt-hour in optimal locations, making 24/7 renewable power increasingly attractive.