Solar and on-shore wind provide cheapest electricity and nuclear most expensive, CSIRO analysis shows

A CSIRO report states that on-shore wind and solar generated electricity are the cheapest forms of power, even when factoring in grid expansion costs. Composite: Carly Earl

Electricity generated by solar and on-shore wind is the cheapest in Australia, even after the significant expense of integrating them into the power grid is factored in, according to new analysis from the CSIRO.

Estimates of costs to build small modular nuclear reactors – a technology supported by the Coalition but not expected to be commercially available until at least 2030 – have risen dramatically and would provide the most expensive power, according to the draft GenCost report.