# Onshore wind energy to reach parity with fossil-fuel electricity by 2016

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/onshore-wind-energy-to-reach-parity-with-fossil-fuel-electricity-by-2016/
- Published: 2012-02-11T03:32:09-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Wind Power on the Rise: Cost Parity with Fossil Fuels Predicted by 2016

A major shift in the global energy market is taking shape. Onshore wind energy is
projected to match the cost of fossil fuel electricity by 2016, according to a new
analysis from Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

The forecast marks a turning point for renewable energy—and a serious challenge 
to coal and natural gas dominance.

### Wind Energy Becomes Economically Competitive

As turbine technology improves and installation costs continue to fall, the price
of wind-generated electricity is dropping fast. In many regions, onshore wind projects
are already undercutting traditional fossil fuel prices.

![Infographic showing wind turbines and a fossil fuel plant with bold text reading
wind power on the rise cost parity with fossil fuels predicted by 2016 on an orange
background](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/463A84B9-
796B-4C0F-A6D7-FA229E33041C-300x200.png?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 "Wind and coal cost
parity by 2016 - The Green Living Guy")

Ai image

### The report highlights several key drivers:

•Improved turbine efficiency

•Lower capital costs

•Streamlined permitting and construction

•Long-term policy support in leading markets

This rapid progress is pushing wind into the mainstream—and making it more attractive
to utilities and investors.

## Global Wind Market Expands

Wind capacity is growing at an unprecedented pace worldwide. In countries like China,
the U.S., Germany, and India, wind farms are scaling up to supply clean energy to
millions.

Bloomberg’s report indicates that wind’s levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is
now falling below that of coal in several markets. By 2016, it’s expected that wind
will consistently reach or beat fossil fuels without subsidies.

That’s a huge deal.

### The Fossil Fuel Advantage Fades

Historically, fossil fuels held the edge thanks to decades of subsidies and established
infrastructure. But that gap is closing.

With wind now competing on price, the rationale for building new coal or gas plants
is weakening—especially when long-term environmental and public health costs are
factored in.

More importantly, wind brings no fuel costs, no emissions, and no volatile market
swings.

## What It Means for the Future

Cost parity with fossil fuels could trigger a major pivot in global energy investment.
Utilities will increasingly choose wind over coal—not just for climate reasons, 
but because it’s the smarter economic play.

For consumers, it means lower power bills and cleaner air. For policymakers, it 
means a clear incentive to phase out fossil subsidies and ramp up renewable infrastructure.

Wind energy isn’t just catching up—it’s positioning itself as the most cost-effective,
climate-safe energy choice of the future.

Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance – [https://about.bnef.com](https://about.bnef.com)
and **_[Bloomberg New Energy Finance](https://web.archive.org/web/20180114014742/https://www.bnef.com/PressReleases/view/172),
London and New York, 10 November 2011_**

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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