The most contentious issue associated with this analysis is the fact that the cost of capital is not included. This would be 3% for this sort of government venture, e.g. nuclear power station production. The results of a financial analysis of 120 5GW power plants including a 3% return on cost of capital is shown below in Figure 11.8. 120 5GW satellites 3% cost of capital Figure 11.8 Revenues and Costs, including 3% Capital Cost, for 120 5 GW SPS Operation This shows that the project revenues will only exceed costs if the cost of energy rises in the future, or the program costs can be reduced. Chapter 2 of this report predicts the increased future demand for energy and it's cost in the future. Under these assumptions the energy prices will allow this space solar power system revenues to exceed current cost and thereby produce a profitable venture. 11.3.2 Conclusions This section will present the conclusions obtained from the considerations of all financial aspects of ISPO. These will include conclusions about early commercial uses, program costs, and the funding of ISPO in terms of risk, sources, and financial viability. Commercial aspects of beamed power supply for space applications The short term there is a very small market for space to space solar power which renders this market non viable. Currently space platforms have the ability to supply all the energy needs of their payloads. In the medium to long term ( > 20 years ) There is considerable potential for profitable ventures which supply space based energy demand. These opportunities will be crucially dependent on space power requirement growth. This is linked to the continued growth of space infrastructure and the price that can be charged for the supply of beamed power. An example of this potential growth is the US space exploration initiative. Lunar base power requirements alone could support a commercial beamed power venture.
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