Is the current loss of wind and solar energy storage large

Is curtailing wind and solar a bad thing?

Curtailing wind and solar is not necessarily a bad thing as it may enable larger shares of renewables through making them flexible. Although a moderate amount of curtailed energy can be tolerated, huge amounts of wasted energy from near-zero operating cost renewable energy sources would be inefficient and unprofitable.

Why do we need solar & wind?

The more solar and wind plants the world installs to wean grids off fossil fuels, the more urgently it needs mature, cost-effective technologies that can cover many locations and store energy for at least eight hours and up to weeks at a time.

How can we solve the variability problem of solar and wind energy?

Solving the variability problem of solar and wind energy requires reimagining how to power our world, moving from a grid where fossil fuel plants are turned on and off in step with energy needs to one that converts fluctuating energy sources into a continuous power supply.

How has solar energy changed over the years?

Solar energy, in particular, has become more affordable and efficient. From 2012 to 2024, the cost of photovoltaic modules in China dropped by 87%, while the global levelized cost of electricity for solar PV fell by 89% between 2010 and 2022, reaching just $0.049/kWh. Meanwhile, module efficiency has also surged from 14% to 24%.