Should wind and solar subsidies be double this year?

According to an analysis by Cornwall Insight, an energy consultancy, subsidies to the developers of wind and solar over the next two years need to be at least double this year’s record level if the government is to reach its clean power goal by the end of the decade. The London Times reports:

How much do wind subsidies cost?

That year, taxpayers spent $56 in subsidies for every megawatt hour of wind energy produced, compared to just 64 cents for electricity from coal or natural gas. According to the EIA, 97% of those wind subsidies came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Why are governments putting trillions into wind & solar subsidies?

Governments, especially in the West, are pouring trillions into subsidies for wind and solar despite their hidden costs, raising consumer costs and undermining economies.

What is the solar and wind grid services & reliability demonstration program?

The Solar and Wind Grid Services and Reliability Demonstration funding program aims to demonstrate the reliable operation of power systems that have up to 100% of their power contribution coming from solar, wind, and battery storage resources.

What are energy subsidies?

Energy subsidies are government payments that keep the price of energy lower than market rate for consumers or higher than market rate for producers. These subsidies are part of the energy policy of the United States.

Where did wind subsidies come from?

According to the EIA, 97% of those wind subsidies came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. From FY 2010 to FY 2013, wind subsidies climbed another 8%, and wind’s share of electricity generation rose to 4.1%.