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Energy Price Comparison 2025: The Myth that Renewables are More Expensive

  • Writer: Hummingbird
    Hummingbird
  • Aug 8, 2025
  • 4 min read
Hummingbird logo, text "Energy Price Comparison," shows gas bill and cash on a solar panel background, challenging renewable cost myths.

I am both proud and energised to share something I feel strongly about: renewable energy is not just the environmentally responsible choice, it is also a financially smart one.


Even with the data available, many people are still not fully aware of how competitive renewables have become compared to fossil fuels. That is why I want to highlight how much progress has been made in clean energy economics.


I will be sharing a breakdown of the 2025 cost comparison between renewable energy and fossil fuels, measured per megawatt hour. The numbers speak for themselves. It is time to shift the conversation with facts.


Why This Matters (More Than Ever!)


Costs are on everyone's minds, aren't they? Energy is a big factor, from the price at the pump to the soaring heating bills that hit us every winter, energy prices have a direct impact on our wallets and our daily lives. People are making tough choices, cutting back on other essentials, and worrying about how they are going to afford to power their homes and businesses.


And here is the kicker, while everyone is agonising over these costs, one helpful solution is staring us right in the face! Renewable energy has become so affordable and accessible it's a powerful way to save money, create jobs, and build a more secure future for ourselves and our children. This impacts everyone now and in the future.


For me, this is the main reason why these figures deserve air time in our newsletter, because people simply aren't aware that the costs have come down so much, and the knock on effect of that is that families are worried about the future costs of energy, when they don't have to be!!


So, let's dive into the numbers and see exactly how renewables stack up against fossil fuels. I want to give it to you straight, like for like.


The Numbers Don't Lie


Let's put the numbers into perspective with a handy comparison table:


Energy Source

Cost per MWh (2025)

Notes

Solar (Utility)

£41 (~$50)

Cheapest renewable option

Onshore Wind

£38–£44 (~$46–$54)

Highly competitive

Offshore Wind

£44 (~$54)

Slightly higher than onshore wind

Natural Gas

£114–£179 (~$140–$220)

Highly volatile, rising costs

Coal

~$68–$166

Region-dependent, generally costly

Battery Storage

Below $100/MWh



Sources: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ),


I continue to be amazed by the numbers, and it's surprising how many people still aren't aware of them. The data around renewable energy costs is compelling, and it's time we brought more attention to just how far we've come.


Key Takeaways 


Renewables are CHEAPER! Solar and onshore wind are significantly less expensive than fossil fuels. Often less than half the price of gas or coal-fired power generation! I find this absolutely thrilling.

Offshore Wind is Super Competitive It is a bit more costly than onshore wind, offshore remains competitive and cheaper than fossil fuels… thats a win win!

Renewable Prices are heading down! Solar and wind costs have been consistently falling! The renewable sectors are amazing at adapting and finding more efficiencies.


A Few Lingering Thoughts (aka: Why Isn't Everyone Doing This?!)


It continues to baffle me that outdated beliefs about the cost and reliability of renewable energy still persist. So many people are being misled by misconceptions that no longer reflect reality.


The facts are clear: renewables are increasingly cost-effective and provide a credible path toward a more sustainable and secure energy future for all. Of course, there are other important considerations to address, such as grid integration and resource availability, but the economic case for renewables is stronger than ever. It’s time we move the conversation forward with accurate, up-to-date information.


It is important to acknowledge that renewable energy sources like solar and wind are often dependent on variable conditions like sunlight and wind speed. This intermittency can be a challenge, requiring energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies to ensure a consistent power supply. Fortunately  headway is being made with consistent renewables, such as tidal and geothermal. And then there is the battery revolution helping to store large amounts of electricity on a city wide scale!


We also have to consider the space required for renewable energy installations. Solar farms and wind farms can take up large areas of land, which raises questions about land use and potential impacts on ecosystems. So, there are things to consider from every angle.


Ultimately, the transition to renewable energy requires a balanced approach, one that takes into account both the challenges and the opportunities. We need to invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable technologies, while also addressing issues related to land use and grid integration.


Although factors like intermittency, energy storage, and infrastructure remain key considerations, cost should no longer be viewed as a barrier. The economic case for renewables is now overwhelmingly strong, making them not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a financially smart one. 


Moving forward, the focus must be on overcoming technical and logistical challenges, confident that clean energy holds a clear cost advantage.


Spread the Word!


So, what can you do with this information? Simple, spread the word! Share this newsletter, talk to your friends and family, (maybe most importantly your children!) and challenge the outdated notion that renewables are too expensive. The truth is out there, and it's time to shine a light on it!


If you're a renewable energy company looking to showcase your cost-effectiveness and attract investors, or if you're an individual looking to make a career move into this exciting and affordable sector, we would love to hear from you, reach out to me and let's chat!


Keep shining that light!


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