During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, President Donald Trump drew significant attention by addressing the financial burdens of the green energy transition. He argued that climate alarmism is leading to higher costs for ordinary people, while benefiting elites. This argument touches on a critical issue: while solar and wind are often described as cheap sources of electricity, their reliance on costly backup systems, particularly fossil fuels, leads to higher overall energy costs. The article delves into the reality that the countries investing heavily in renewables are facing some of the most expensive electricity prices, highlighting the contradiction between the green energy narrative and actual economic outcomes.
Media and green advocates have long insisted that solar and wind are now the cheapest forms of electricity. However, two decades of data show the opposite. Countries with the highest renewable energy investments also have the most expensive electricity due to the requirement for costly backup power. For instance, a study of China found that the real cost of solar was twice that of coal. Similarly, research in Germany and Texas revealed that, when backup costs are included, solar and wind were found to be significantly more expensive.
These findings are echoed in consumer price data. Germany, Spain, Denmark, and the U.K. have some of the world’s highest electricity costs alongside extensive renewable investments. Last year, households and industries in the EU paid more than 26 cents per kilowatt-hour, more than double that of the U.S. and triple the cost in China. The U.K., with its even more ambitious green goals, paid an eye-watering 36 cents per kilowatt-hour, nearly three times the U.S. price and over four times that of China.
International Energy Agency data across 70 countries reveals a clear pattern: the more renewable energy, the higher the costs. Every 10% increase in the share of wind and solar raises average power costs by over four cents per kilowatt-hour. Despite headlines celebrating Germany’s renewable achievements, these stories rarely mention the challenges of windless days when renewables provide almost nothing. Last winter, renewables delivered less than 4% of Germany’s power for an entire day.
Advocates claim batteries could solve these issues, but all of Germany’s storage capacity would last less than 20 minutes. The reality is that fossil fuels remain essential, but their infrequent use leads to soaring costs. Last November, when solar and wind provided almost nothing, wholesale German prices spiked to $1 per kilowatt-hour. As conventional plants shut down, the risks of power outages increase, with a German utility CEO warning that the country narrowly avoided blackouts only because the weather wasn’t colder.
In developing nations, the reliance on fossil fuels continues. Across developing countries, electricity demand rose almost 5% last year, predominantly met by fossil fuels. China used more additional coal than solar and wind combined, while Bangladesh used 13 times more coal than renewables. India, praised for its solar ambitions, still added three times more coal than renewables. Billionaire Gautam Adani, facing challenges in selling a $6 billion solar project, was allegedly involved in a $265 million bribery scheme due to state refusal to rely on unreliable renewables.
Rich nations can indulge in the solar-and-wind illusion because they have fossil fuel backups and subsidies. However, hidden subsidies in the U.S. may exceed $60 billion annually, meaning real power costs are about 25% higher than official bills suggest. The article argues that the myth of cheap renewables is costly and damaging, leading to rising bills and subsidies that hurt the poorest. Trump’s call to address the economic damage of climate policies is valid, but the solution lies in smarter, more innovative approaches to make green energy cheaper than fossil fuels.
Such investments could cost far less than current climate spending and deliver real benefits. Until then, fossil fuels will remain essential, and pretending otherwise only increases costs and reduces energy security. The world needs honesty: solar and wind are not yet cheap because they require costly backup, and forcing them onto power grids raises prices. If rich countries prioritize innovation over illusion, they could lead a real green revolution based on affordable, reliable energy for all.