Photovoltaic energy is on the verge of another knockout in its fight to eliminate all the toxic and cheap energy sources that are killing the planet.
“By 2023, solar will be cheaper than natural gas in virtually every part of the world,” says Tom Heggarty, energy analyst.
This will make natural gas the next victim of photovoltaic energy, which already in a March 2019 report turns out to be cheaper than coal-fired power plants (in 74% of cases the study has shown that keeping coal-fired plants active costs more than breaking them down and replacing them with solar power plants).
In short, another important change is upon us: Europe itself in recent years has quickly converted its energy economy by focusing on natural gas, increasing its use by 5% per year over the last 5 years. In the USA, natural gas has overtaken coal as the main energy source since 2016.
How the collapse in the price of solar power can drive the Italian economy
Italy is one of the most important beneficiaries of this downward trend in photovoltaic energy prices: its crucial position in the center of the Mediterranean allows it to get sunshine for much of the year, with a peak of over 2600 hours per year in some parts of Sardinia. Currently its investments in natural gas are higher than the European average (14% of needs, compared to an average of 11%).
The rapid growth of Italian photovoltaic is a fact that really gives rise to hope: energy coming from the sun grew from 6.3% in 2004 to 17.1% in 2014, achieving the objectives set for 6 2020 years early. In 2018 alone, the further growth of 7% brought Italian solar energy production to 20 gigawatts. The energy and climate plan presented in recent months by the government aims to reach 50 gigawatts by 2030.
A decisive turnaround due not only to government policies, but also to renewed attention from citizens: Last year, projects totaling 84 megawatts were started without the use of government subsidies. With a solar market driven by residential installations and guided by a policy closer to energy issues growth will be accelerated and steady.