Guatemala s solar container communication station wind and solar complementary ownership

Can a solar-wind system meet future energy demands?

Accelerating energy transition towards renewables is central to net-zero emissions. However, building a global power system dominated by solar and wind energy presents immense challenges. Here, we demonstrate the potential of a globally interconnected solar-wind system to meet future electricity demands.

How much does wind power cost in Latin America?

The LCOE of wind throughout Latin America is 0.099 $/MWh, while PV solar is twice as expensive (0.208 $/MWh). Wind power is not more expensive than new gas plants, and in some countries, like Argentina and Chile, its LCOE is as low as the marginal cost of existing gas plants. Fig. 12.

Can global grid interconnection accelerate solar-wind transition?

Global grid interconnection represents a compelling pathway to accelerate this transition, particularly given the uneven geographic distribution of solar-wind potential (Fig. 1a).

Will new wind and solar power sites compete with hydropower?

New wind- and solar-power sites are not expected to be competitors of hydropower, but rather to operate in combination with it for improving the whole system’s reliability and profitability. Instead, new renewables would need to ensure cost-effectiveness against gas-fired power plants, which are the backup for hydropower in the region.