Figure 10 compares the range of projected generation costs for fossil-fueled and solar-terrestrial generation systems with those of the SSPS. A 5000-MW operational SSPS will be cost effective with fossil fuels at the projected bus bar cost of 27 mills/kWh. Between 1995 and 2025, coal prices are projected to rise as much as 5% because of increased production costs and costs for pollution control equipment. The relative price rise of oil is expected to be more pronounced; more importantly, it is unlikely to be available at any price after 2000 for large-scale power generation purposes. Projected bus bar costs of terrestrial solar thermal and photovoltaic conversion systems range from 35 to 65 mills/kWh. Both of these solar energy conversion systems would provide mainly peaking power, whereas the SSPS will provide base load power. Economic analyses carried out so far do not include the costs of social and environmental impacts. These costs would adversely affect the economics of most large-scale terrestrial generative systems and thus further enhance the overall economic attractiveness of the SSPS. FIGURE 10 COMPARISON OF RANGE OF GENERATION COSTS OVER THE PERIOD 1995-2025
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==