SOCIAL COSTS The social costs of large-scale power-generation systems have to be established so the benefits of each specific system can be weighed against potential dangers to human health, destruction of valued natural resources, and the intangible effects which may influence the quality of life. Failure to take these costs into account, will only lead to substantial impediments to the development of such systems, as was proven in such major programs as supersonic transport aircraft, nuclear power, and interstate highways. The major social impacts of SSPS operations would lie in: — Resource allocations including land management, energy requirements during construction, operations and the energy payback period; commitments of resources; etc. — Environmental effects including waste heat disposal, interactions with the upper atmosphere, environmental modifications, noise generation, etc. — Public safety including long-term exposure under normal operations, effects on communications, safety issues under accident or abnormal situations, continuity of power generation and effects of interference with operations, etc. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The operational phases of the SSPS are projected to produce various environmental impacts: • Waste Heat. Waste heat released at the receiving antenna site would be equivalent to about 15% of the rectified microwave power, which is substantially less than the waste heat released from energy production methods based on thermodynamic cycles. • Land Management. Land use will be substantial with about 100 square miles affected. However, the land could be devoted to productive uses because only about one-third of the land would be covered by the receiving antenna which is a lightweight structure 80% transparent to sunlight and unobstructive to rain. Microwave radiation can be excluded from beneath the antenna, maintenance will be minimal, and transportation of supplies to the site will be infrequent compared to conventional power plants. Offshore locations should be considered as alternative antenna sites. Land use
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