An overall SSPS-related biological effects program should be carried out and closely integrated with the research plans for a national biological effects program being developed by the Office of Telecommunications Policy. Economic Issues. — 1. Conclusions. - The cost projections available for the SSPS components and systems indicate that there is a reasonable probability that the SSPS can become competitive with other power-generating methods as technology developments proceed. There are also clear indications that SSPS costs can be reduced if a program of mass manufacture is undertaken in support of SSPS development. An economic comparison of the SSPS with other means of generating power and the methodology which can be made to deal with these issues would include: • The costs and benefits associated with the SSPS which have to be evaluated to determine the economic feasibility of an investment of this type; • The macro-economic interindustry effects produced by the SSPS which have to be examined to analyze the effects such an investment might have on the structure of the economy as a whole. • The consumption effects created by the SSPS which will be reflected in both the cost/benefit analysis and the analysis of macro-economic interindustry effects. These key .issues can be related not only to an efficiency criterion where an optimal allocation of scarce resources is the sole objective, but also to indicate the effects associated with large-scale changes that might be created in the economic structure if the projected benefits of an SSPS are to be realized. 2. Recommendations. — A technology assessment, including technical, environmental, economic, and social factors, should be carried out to provide data for a decision-making process among different energy-production systems required to meet future energy demands. Program Phasing 1. Conclusions. — Based on an assessment of the steps required to develop the various technologies for the SSPS, three major program phases can be identified, as shown in Figure 92. The technology' development and verification program should achieve the following primary goals: ® Be ready - if necessary — to initiate SSPS prototype system development; and • Provide tangible returns to the public in the event the option to proceed is not exercised.
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