for example, that the success of decentralized energy technologies in the marketplace will depend in large part on the central direction of the federal government. The SPS would produce centrally generated electricity at sites remote from the end-user, but it could still contribute directly to decentralization if its development were to create a dispersed system of ownership. Such a possibility is found in Vajk's taxpayer stock corporation model.This financing scheme would diffuse ownership among the general population through the apportionment of shares in a so-called U.S. Powersat Service, based on the fraction of an individual's taxes devoted to the corporation. However, since Vajk says there is no historical basis for evaluating the scheme, it may be more realistic to assume some other financing scheme (which could employ this concept as one of its components) would be used. In this case, decentralization through SPS development is more likely to occur by indirect means. IV.3 What are the opportunity costs of developing the SPS? Won't the diversion of so much capital rob other promising energy technologies of development funds and leave the nation less flexible in responding to energy needs? What does the country do for its energy while it waits for the SPS to come on line? In preliminary program phases, SPS incurs essentially no opportunity costs, since it does not reduce the development potential or funding of other promising technologies. SPS funding in fiscal 1979 was $6.6 million; this accounted for less than 2% of the projected DOE budget for solar research and development studies,^ and is less than 0.1% of the total energy research and development budget. A decision to fully deploy a Satellite Power System would be accompanied by a massive financing effort and a decision to obtain the resultant power in this manner rather than in some other way. Opportunity costs would therefore be incurred. It would not, however, necessarily restrict research funds or inhibit the early development of other promising energy technologies. Demand for electricity will grow significantly by 2000, and neither the SPS nor any other single energy technology will be able to supply all electric demand. It is likely that many systems will be developed to provide maximum flexibility in responding to energy needs. __ Vajk, et al, SPS Preliminary Societal Assessment: Financial/ Management Scenarios, DOE #HCP/R-4024-03, October 1978. A 2Report of the Comptroller General of the United States. ''The Magnitude of the Federal Solar Energy Program and the Effects of Different Levels of Funding.” GAO:EMD-78-27, February 1978.
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