Re:World’s Largest Solar Thermal Power Plant Delivers Power ...
by api on Wednesday September 25, 2013 @10:48AM
(#6444897)
I think of renewables' higher cost as basically paying up front for the fuel instead of over time. At least that's how it should be thought of economically.
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Re:World’s Largest Solar Thermal Power Plant Delivers Power ...
by _mulder_ on Wednesday September 25, 2013 @11:52AM
(#6445306)
You're right, but traditional fossil fuel plants still cost a lot (a comparable amount infact) to build ($2billion for 600MW[1]). Renewables just have a much lower energy output (only work when the sun shines/wind blows, and at a lower capacity) and therefore a much longer payback. But you're right, not having to pay for fuel would off-set some of these negatives.
[1] http://www.synapse-energy.com/Downloads/SynapsePaper.2008-07...