4 ms·
api, this is a great point and one that is often overlooked with most renewables vs non-renewables cost arguments. However, when you compare $/kwh of the electr
by _mulder_ 13y ago
api, this is a great point and one that is often overlooked with most renewables vs non-renewables cost arguments. However, when you compare $/kwh of the electricity it does take all of this into consideration.
- api 13y agoI think of renewables' higher cost as basically paying up front for the fuel instead of over time. At least that's how it should be thought of economically.
- _mulder_ 13y agoYou're right, but traditional fossil fuel plants still cost a lot (a comparable amount infact) to build ($2billion for 600MW[1]). Renewables just have a much lower energy output (only work when the sun shines/wind blows, and at a lower capacity) and therefore a much longer payback. But you're right, not having to pay for fuel would off-set some of these negatives. [1] http://www.synapse-energy.com/Downloads/SynapsePaper.2008-07.0.Coal-Plant-Construction-Costs.A0021.pdf http://www.synapse-energy.com/Downloads/SynapsePaper.2008-07...