Fact Check: Wind power is an expensive form of energy that smart countries don't use.

Fact Check: "Wind power is an expensive form of energy that smart countries don't use."

What We Know

The claim that wind power is an expensive form of energy is misleading. According to the Cost of electricity by source, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from utility-scale solar and onshore wind power is generally lower than that from coal and gas-fired power stations. This indicates that, on average, wind energy is not only competitive but often cheaper than traditional fossil fuels.

Furthermore, a report from Ember highlights that clean power, which includes wind energy, surpassed 40% of global electricity generation in 2024. This significant adoption of renewables suggests that many countries are indeed investing in and utilizing wind power as a viable energy source.

Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has noted a continuous decline in the costs associated with wind energy, further supporting the argument that it is an economically feasible energy source.

Analysis

The assertion that "smart countries don't use" wind power is not supported by current trends in global energy production. The Global Electricity Review 2025 indicates that renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, is experiencing record growth. This growth is driven by both technological advancements and decreasing costs, making wind power increasingly attractive.

Moreover, the IEA Wind TCP states that wind and solar power have no fuel costs, which allows them to lower wholesale electricity prices by displacing more expensive fossil fuel plants. This economic advantage is a key reason why many countries are transitioning to renewable energy sources.

While the claim may stem from a perception of high initial capital costs associated with wind energy projects, it is essential to consider the long-term savings and environmental benefits. The BloombergNEF projects that the costs of clean power technologies, including wind, will continue to decline, reinforcing the argument that wind energy is becoming more economically viable.

In evaluating the reliability of these sources, organizations like Ember and IRENA are recognized for their comprehensive data analysis and focus on renewable energy trends, making them credible references in this context.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that wind power is an expensive form of energy that smart countries do not use is incorrect. Evidence shows that wind energy is often cheaper than fossil fuels and is increasingly adopted worldwide as part of the transition to cleaner energy sources. The continuous decline in costs and the growing share of renewables in global electricity generation further support this conclusion.

Fact Check: Wind power is an expensive form of energy that smart countries don't use.