Title: Externalities of electricity generation and renewable energy technologies

Authors: Anthony D. Owen

Addresses: The University of New South Wales, Australia

Abstract: On the basis of conventional accounting methodology, fossil fuel-fired power generation facilities currently represent the least cost technology option. However, this method of accounting tends to neglect the environmental and social costs involved in generating electrical power by combustion of fossil fuels or using nuclear power. This paper presents estimates of the net environmental benefits that can be delivered by renewable energy technologies over the conventional fossil fuel alternatives. The environmental externalities of electricity generation, with both fossil fuels and renewables, are identified in physical units, and a financial estimate of their impact on electricity prices if the externalities were to be ||internalised|| is derived for the major technologies.

Keywords: electricity generation; renewable energy; environmental costs; social costs; net environmental benefits; fossil fuel; electricity prices; power generation.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2002.006184

Global Business and Economics Review, 2002 Vol.4 No.1, pp.131 - 146

Published online: 07 Feb 2005 *

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