Costs, value, and diversity of generating sources

摘要

The ongoing debate about the "best" source of electricity generation in the United States ostensibly deals with economics, but it is clear that reduced carbon production is the goal of U.S. energy policy. Traditional carbon-producing fuels are the lowest-cost source of electricity generation. The question now is, which source of generation produces electricity with low carbon output at the lowest cost? Overall, the dis- cussion about the economics of electricity generation is really about self-interest. One group places a high value on clean energy, while another values job creation. Producers seek to make a profit, while social activists value low pricing for the economically disadvantaged. It is obvious that no single source of generation can "win" the debate. Will nuclear power be part of the carbon-free generating industry? More important, are customers willing to pay for carbon-free nuclear generation?