Four-hour batteries undercut open-cycle gas turbines in 43 surveyed markets

Four-hour battery storage is cheaper than open-cycle gas turbines in all 43 markets surveyed by Wood Mackenzie, according to a new report covered by TechCrunch. Those turbines are used by data center developers and utilities needing electricity during periods of high demand. Demand from AI data center developers has increased turbine prices and procurement backlogs. Open-cycle turbines now take two to four years to procure, while waitlists for closed-cycle turbines extend into the early 2030s. Wood Mackenzie also found solar to be the cheapest new power source in every surveyed market. In North America, tariffs and import restrictions are putting solar prices under pressure.