Fig. 4. Coal vs SPS — present-value analysis. Source: Reference 13. the difficulty of assessing energy technologies unless consistent accounting approaches are utilized. On the basis of present value, an analysis of the cost of supplying non-renewable fuels such as coal to a power-generating plant compared with the cost of the SPS (Fig. 4) demonstrates that SPS costs are within the competitive range. Cost comparisons between different energy technologies are further complicated unless external costs, particularly those due to environmental impacts and societal effects, are appropriately recognized and included as part of the total costs of a specific energy technology. The economic viability of the SPS was compared with that of other alternatives to provide a basis for future decisions about a major SPS development program. The comparison indicated that if technology goals can be met, an operational 10-GW SPS would cost about $2,600 per kW once full production has been achieved and benefits of early experience have been incorporated in the design (9). The SPS cost estimates are based on point designs and represent forecasts of future technology development which are unlikely to be precise. Risk analyses have been carried out to overcome the drawbacks associated with deterministic estimates. These analyses are based on the probable distribution of costs according to the present state of knowledge of the technology assumed for the SPS. Cost models were developed to determine unit production and operation and maintenance costs as a function of input variables (21). 8.1.2. Institutional impacts. Events have shown that controversies can arise over the utilization of existing energy technologies, even when they operate within well established performance and impact limits. In approaching the development of the SPS, the public response to its technology can be outlined only after the benefits and impacts of its performance are better defined (24). Although it is difficult to assess the institutional impacts of a concept like the SPS, which has not yet been demonstrated, even on a small scale, several issues are beginning to be explored and evaluated. Some of these deal with the potential damage to an SPS installation (which represents the concentration of massive amounts of capital and generating capacity) through accidents. Legal and political questions relate to impacts on telecommunications, both national and international, as well as the use of space and
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