Learning effects and the commercialization of new energy technologies: the case of nuclear power

Journal Article · · Bell J. Econ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3003455· OSTI ID:6343642

Zimmerman, M B

Recently, attention has been focused on government policy toward commercialization of new energy technologies. Arguments are offered that, in the early days of commercialization, significant learning externalities that justify subsidy are present. Using nuclear power as a case study, this article estimates the learning effects actually present. The effect of experience on construction cost and on the accuracy of cost estimation is examined. External learning is separated from internalized learning about both construction cost and cost estimation. Finally, an estimate of the value of both kinds of learning externality is provided. The results suggest learning externalities were present, but had little effect on the rate of commercialization. 19 references, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 6343642
• Journal Information: Bell J. Econ.; (United States), Journal Name: Bell J. Econ.; (United States) Vol. 13:2; ISSN BJECD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210801 -- Nuclear Power Plants-- Economics-- Construction & Operation-- (-1987)
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290500* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
COMMERCIALIZATION
COST ESTIMATION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
LEARNING
NUCLEAR POWER
POWER
PUBLIC POLICY
SUBSIDIES