The big Difference between DESERT-VISION power plants and Atomic power plants
If all „imponderables“ are factored into the total cost of a nuclear power plant, the estimated price per installed gigawatt (GW) increases significantly. These imponderables include: 1. Possible additional costs often excluded from standard calculations Waste Disposal: As mentioned earlier, the long-term storage of nuclear waste is extremely expensive and uncertain. Conservative estimates show that these costs can rise substantially if unforeseen technical or societal challenges occur. Additional Costs: +€2–3 billion per GW. Accidents and Risks: Even with modern safety technology, the residual risk of a major accident remains. The potential costs of a disaster (e.g., Fukushima or Chernobyl) are often not fully accounted for because they are almost incalculable. Additional Costs: If all risks were theoretically insured, electricity costs could increase by €4–5 billion per GW. Decommissioning Costs: Decommissioning a nuclear plant can be more expensive than anticipated. In Germany, estimates for decommissioning older plants are already €1–2 billion per facility. Additional Costs: +€1–2 billion per GW. Construction Delays and Costs Overruns: Projects like Hinkley Point C (UK) or Olkiluoto 3 (Finland) show that construction timelines often extend by 10–15 years, with costs doubling or tripling. Additional Costs: +€3–5 billion per GW. Social Costs: Protests, political conflicts, and site issues (e.g., for waste repositories) can drive up overall costs. Additional Costs: Estimated at €1 billion or more. 2. Example of Total Costs per GW Considering all these uncertainties, the actual cost per GW look like this: Costs Category Costs (per GW) Base construction costs €6–12 billion Financing costs €2 – 4 billion Waste disposal €2 – 3 billion Decommissioning €1 – 2 billion Accident risks (theoretical insurance) €4 – 5 billion Delays and cost overruns €3 – 5 billion Social costs €1 billion Total costs per GW €19 – 32 billion The cost per GW for a DESERT-VISION multifunctional thermo-solar power plant is €4 billion. 3. Cost per kWh: When these costs are translated into the price of electricity, the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) rises to 15–30 cents per kWh, making nuclear energy far less competitive compared to wind or solar power (5–10 cents per kWh). Conclusion: When factoring in all uncertain costs, a nuclear power plant could cost at least €19–32 billion per installed GW, depending on the country, technology, and risk management. These costs often make nuclear energy viable only through significant government subsidies, and it remains far more expensive than renewable energy in the long run.
Q & A
Projects
UP
start
about us
join
technic / Q & A
projects