U.S. Wind and Solar Cost Estimates Undercut Gas as Fossil Plans Grow

Estimated costs for new onshore wind and utility-scale solar remain below those for combined-cycle natural gas in 2026, even as U.S. developers expand gas-power plans amid rising electricity demand. On an unsubsidized, levelized basis, onshore wind is estimated at $68 per megawatt-hour and utility-scale solar at $69, compared with $90 for combined-cycle gas. The wind and solar estimates are higher than in 2025; their cost advantage over gas does not mean their estimated costs fell. The comparison excludes some grid costs, including transmission and distribution investment, and may not fully reflect recent increases in gas-turbine costs.

Source: TokenPost