Fact-check: “Solar power is now cheaper than coal in most countries”
Verdict: Mostly True (72% confidence)
The IEA stated directly in its World Energy Outlook 2020 that 'solar PV is consistently cheaper than new coal- or gas-fired power plants in most countries,' and subsequent data from IEA and IRENA shows the trend has strengthened since then — by 2023, 96% of newly installed utility-scale solar had lower generation costs than new coal. The main qualification is that 'most countries' is clearly documented for new-build comparisons, while comparisons against existing, already-depreciated coal plant…
This fact-check was conducted by SpinkillerAI, a non-partisan AI-powered accountability platform.
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