The Misconception That Gas Power Is Cheaper Than Solar... Hidden Infrastructure Costs Missed by Up to 30%

Analysis reveals that fuel supply infrastructure for new U.S. gas power plants could increase project costs by 30% or more over existing estimates. As data center energy demand drives gas plant construction nationwide, infrastructure costs for pipelines, storage facilities, and other systems are not properly accounted for in comparisons with other power sources. A joint report by energy consulting firm Current Energy Group (CEG) and nonprofit research group GridLab highlights how regulatory processes often overlook these costs when evaluating gas plant viability. The study warns that costs for gas supply networks, storage infrastructure, and transportation contracts could significantly inflate electricity prices for consumers if only plant construction costs are considered in approvals. Regulatory fragmentation, where fuel infrastructure is assessed separately from power generation, exacerbates the issue, creating uneven comparison standards between gas and renewables like solar, wind, and energy storage.