Link to document:
Status
Electronic Resource
Call number
Publication
5106 23 DOE JPL 1060 55; Report; July 1982.
Language
Library's review
ABSTRACT:
The future economic and social benefits of developing cost-competitive solar thermal technologies (STT) were assessed at JPL during FY 81. The analysis was restricted to STT in electric applications for 16 high insolation/ high-energy-price states. Three fuel price scenarios and three 1990
The future economic and social benefits of developing cost-competitive solar thermal technologies (STT) were assessed at JPL during FY 81. The analysis was restricted to STT in electric applications for 16 high insolation/ high-energy-price states. Three fuel price scenarios and three 1990
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STT system costs were considered, reflecting uncertainty over future fuel prices and STT cost projections. After considering the numerous benefits of introducing STT into the energy market, three primary benefits were identified and evaluated: (1) direct energy cost savings were estimated to range from zero to $50 billion; (2) oil imports may be reduced by up to 9 percent, improving national security; (3) significant environmental benefits can be realized in air basins where electric power plant emissions create substantial air pollution problems. STT R&D was found to be unacceptably risky for private industry in the absence of federal support. The normal risks associated with investments in R&D are accentuated because the OPEC cartel can artificially manipulate oil prices and undercut the growth of alternative energy sources. When this fact was weighed against the potential benefits of developing cost-competitive STT, Federal participation in STT R&D was found to be in the national interest. Show Less