>> But I am one of a few persons spitting against a 
>> hurricane, and its
>> pretty obvious that nuclear will win in the
>> end.

There are many people spitting against the hurricane, 
rightly or wrongly.

> Trot out the solar solution. Where does it go ? How much 
> does it
> cost ? How does it fit in with the existing infrastructure 
> ?  I am
> all for it if it is cost competitive.  If it is as cheap 
> as nuclear
> to implement, let's rock and roll.

The difficulty is comparing the two.
Firstly let both bear their own regulatory and management 
costs. If it costs more then it pays more. Nuclear is fairly 
solidly saddled with costs in that area but it is fair for 
it to pay providing such costs are justified. Whether they 
are justified depends on whether the zealot who is trying to 
convince you is hugging a tree or glows in the dark.

Next add the true costs of any indemnities offered against 
prosecution or liability. These are easily priced by 
estimating what price the market insurers would charge for 
them. if no insurers would front up at any cost it's not a 
viable industry - or so the market forces people would tell 
me. Why wouldn't I choose to believe them in this case ?

Next add the true cost of greenfielding the site when the 
economic lifetime is over. Assuming that a site has an 
economic lifetime for some reason or other. Greenfielding 
includes the true costs (as if they were carried out by free 
market of black fielding some other yuccy location and 
keeping it securely that way until it turns green all by 
itself or itself can be greenfielded.

Next add any costs for extras such as requisite security for 
sites or products or whatever.

You can allow a positive contribution for outputs other than 
power per se as long as the prices are paid by fully non 
subsidised customers. To give an example, if you can sell 
Plutonium to a military body that is fully self funding and 
doesn't depend on taxpayer support then you have a valid 
sale. [[Sales to the French government, at a minimum, are 
liable to fail this test alone rather handsomely]].

Now add the cost of fuel, production etc.

Now add all that up and calculate true cost per unit of 
electricity.

When do you want your solar thermal plant delivered?


        Russell


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