Commercialization of solar thermal power generation: policy issues

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Nat. Resour. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5198498

Zuckerman, J V

Without the focused public attention which has been drawn to nuclear power, without the tremendous outpouring of financial assistance from the federal government which was applied to nuclear development, without even the more moderate financial support devoted to synthetic fuel production, the utilization of sun-power to generate electricity has come to technical feasibility. Not only has it been demonstrated, but it has been made operational. Solar One, described in an accompanying article, is a technical success. What is additionally needed is the dimension of economic success. This article will focus on those aspects of economic feasibility which delineate the legal, financial, and policy obstacles, and the possible means of overcoming those obstacles for solar energy technology in the field of electric power generation. Included is a brief review of incentives which have been offered over the past years by the federal government to encourage the development of energy resources, including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, synthetic fuels, and renewable resources, and a statement of the monetary value of those incentives; examination of the statements of national goals for energy in the US as they have been espoused by different presidential administrations and expressed concerning solar energy; and a recommendation for policy, legal, and financial actions to be taken to produce a climate favorable for the rapid commercialization of solar thermal power generation. 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Houston, University Park, TX
• OSTI ID: 5198498
• Journal Information: Nat. Resour. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Nat. Resour. J.; (United States) Vol. 25; ISSN NRJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
COMMERCIALIZATION
DATA
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SUPPLIES
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INFORMATION
LEGISLATION
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
NATIONAL PROGRAM PLANS
NUMERICAL DATA
POWER PLANTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TAX CREDITS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS