Cost and performance characterization data for the alternative technologies are presented briefly in Sec. 3 and form the basis for the comparisons that are reported in Sec. 4. Cost data for the SPS were obtained from NASA-sponsored Boeing and Rockwell systems design efforts. Cost estimates for the alternative technologies were developed from reference design reports. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERIZATIONS Six alternative technologies were selected for comparison with the SPS; their major characteristics are displayed in Table 2. The general approach was to review a broad segment of the recent technical literature concerned with the characteristics of the individual technologies and their accompanying fuel cycles. This data base of information was then synthesized into the alternative technology reference characterizations by adapting the data into internally consistent energy and materials balances for each of the systems. Where appropriate, a nominal generating capacity of 1250 MWe was selected for the reference technologies. Only the terrestrial photovoltaic and fusion systems differ from this nominal capacity due to special considerations unique to each system. An integral part of the energy and materials balances was the determination of natural resource requirements such as land, water, fuels, and other raw materials, and the determination of environmental residuals including air-borne emissions, liquid effluents, and solid and radioactive wastes. These parameters have been estimated for the main plant site and for major elements of the respective fuel cycles. The final step in the characterization procedure was to estimate the capital construction costs, labor requirements, and annual nonfuel operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for each alternative reference system. Detailed lists of equipment, materials, and site labor requirements from the Energy Economic Data Base (EEDB) and other major references were used as the basis for estimating the direct and indirect capital construction costs and construction labor requirements for many of the systems. For technologies not included in the EEDB, similar data from other major references was used. All costs are presented in 1978 dollars. Direct capital costs include the costs of all materials, components, structures, and direct labor necessary for construction of the reference facility at the plant site. Indirect costs include temporary site construction facilities, payroll insurance and taxes, and other construction services. Excluded are items sensitive to the particular policies of individual utilities, including owner’s costs, fees and permits, interest on construction funds, contingency funds, and price escalation during construction. Nonfuel O&M costs were derived on the basis of labor requirements, disposal and materials handling costs, and other factors applicable to the respective technologies. Decommissioning costs for each of the nuclear systems are also included. Fuel costs for each of the systems are scenariodependent and will be estimated as part of the subsequent cost and performance analys is.
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