Comparing the cost of solar, wind and biomethane on a dispatchable basis

By 2040, it is expected that approximately 410 TWh, or 11% of the final electricity consumption, in Europe is supplied by flexible power sources. In this report commissioned by Eurogas, Common Futures compares the costs of power in €/MWh for that final 410 TWh, when fully producing it from hydrogen from wind and solar electricity, biomethane or dispatch from batteries charged with wind and solar electricity. The main conclusions are that:

1. Power from biomethane and dispatchable solar and wind through hydrogen can be generated for comparable prices, around 150 €/MWh
2. Biomethane and green hydrogen can be complements in a renewable energy system
3. Batteries are cost-competitive from around 40 cycles per year, for approximately 15% of flexible power demand