microwave links, microprocessors, satellites, etc.) that could be impacted are identified and mitigating strategies are being designed and verified and costs are being estimated. Societal Assessment In the Societal Assessment, a number of topical reports has been published (6-21), and the results have been summarized (22). A synopsis of the major findings follows. • Potentially eligible rectenna land sites exist, but they are not congruent with areas requiring heavy electrical energy demands. • Potential supply/cost problems exist for gallium, sapphire, and graphite fiber materials. • SPS energy ratio is positive. • No obvious impediments in space law or custom exist, but the Bogata nations are challenging current interpretations. • The value of international participation is identified, but the method of attainment is unresolved. Ensuring a non-military, non-threatening SPS is required. • Early and active public participation is essential to resolving concerns of centralization, microwave exposure standards, etc. • Additional studies are underway to assess utility integration, insurance requirements, military implications and vulnerability, impacts of government regulations, and impact to sociocultural changes. Comparative Assessment A methodology for the Comparative Assessment is developed, and a Preliminary Comparative Assessment report is being reviewed. The technologies being compared with SPS are listed below. • Light water reactor with improved fuel utilization • Coal-steam with improved environmental controls • Terrestrial solar photovoltaic • Combined open cycle coal gas turbine-steam cycle • Liquid metal fast breeder reactor • Magnetic confinement fusion • Decentralized options to be defined. Comparative Assessment results obtained are: • SPS costs and the alternatives are subject to large uncertainties. Within these uncertainties costs overlap. Economic assumptions affect SPS and the alternatives similarly. SPS costs are sensitive to operational maintenance costs and to capacity factors. Uncertainties in fuel costs seriously affect the studies of the non-renewable alternatives. • Health and safety impacts are well quantified for coal and nuclear systems; uncertainties exist for solar and fusion systems. • Total land requirements for selected technologies (those associated with mining, transportation, transmission corridors, and waste disposal) must be developed for valid comparisons.
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