Wind and solar energy are already the cheapest energy sources available today in the European Union.

Omissions

• The claim does not distinguish between onshore wind (among the cheapest sources globally and in the EU) and offshore wind (significantly more expensive).
• The claim does not specify that the cost advantage applies primarily to new generation capacity; existing, fully amortised nuclear or hydro plants can have lower marginal operating costs.
• Levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) comparisons do not include system integration costs (grid expansion, storage, backup) required for variable renewables like wind and solar.
• Cost competitiveness varies within the EU: solar PV is cheaper in southern member states, while onshore wind is more competitive in northern and Atlantic regions.
• The most recent IRENA and IEA reports available at the time of the claim (June 2026) covered data through 2024; the IRENA 2025 edition was published in July 2026, after the session date.

Sources

• PrimaryIEA – Breakthrough Agenda Report 2025On an levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) basis, renewables remained the most cost-competitive option for new electricity generation in 2024. Onshore wind and solar PV lead on cost, with global weighted-average LCOEs below fossil fuel alternatives.
• PrimaryIRENA – Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2024Total installed costs for renewable power decreased by more than 10% for all technologies between 2023 and 2024, except for offshore wind. The global weighted-average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) declined for solar PV by 0.6%, onshore wind by 3%, offshore wind by 4%, and bioenergy by 13%.
• PrimaryIRENA – Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2025In 2025, Solar PV remained at its 2024 level of USD 44/MWh, while wind continued to improve, with onshore wind falling to USD 33/MWh. These LCOE levels are below those of fossil fuel-based generation.