Reliance on wind and solar power leaves nations facing rising energy prices

Reliance on wind and solar power leaves nations facing rising energy prices


Solar and wind generate a large share of Spain’s electricity

Alvaro Barrientos/AP Photo/ Alamy

Countries that have large amounts of wind and solar energy in their power grids are particularly vulnerable to rising energy bills due to rising gas prices. The relationship between decarbonization and price volatility has been a controversial issue as governments consider clean energy strategies, but analysis of electricity prices in Europe has now provided evidence to inform the debate.

Large amounts of wind and solar capacity have been deployed across the continent in recent years. But these power sources are intermittent, producing electricity only when…