Photovoltaic energy is on the eve of another knockout in its struggle 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 just around the corner: Europe itself has in recent years quickly converted its energy economy by focusing on natural gas, increasing its use by 5% per year over the last 5 years. In the US, natural gas has overtaken coal as the main energy source since 2016.
How the collapse in the price of solar 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 sun for most of the year, with a peak of over 2600 hours per year in some parts of Sardinia. Currently, its investments in natural gas are above the European average (14% of requirements, against an average of 11%).
The rapid growth of Italian photovoltaics is a fact that bodes well: the energy coming from the sun has grown from 6.3% in 2004 to 17.1% in 2014, achieving the objectives set for 6 2020 years in advance. only 2018, the further growth of 7% brought Italian solar energy production to 20 gigawatts. The energy and climate plan presented by the government in recent months 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 resorting to state subsidies. With a solar market driven by residential installations e guided by a policy closer to energy issues growth will be accelerated and steady.
