ETA: a model for energy technology assessment

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3003263· OSTI ID:7116701

Manne, A S

This article explores some of the options by which the U.S. could move away from its present heavy dependence upon oil and gas toward a more diversified energy economy. Through nonlinear programming, the model incorporates both own- and cross-price elasticities of demand. In this way it allows for price-induced interfuel substitution and energy conservation. Among the supply options studied are direct combustion of coal to generate electricity; conversion of coal to synthetic fuels; nuclear energy--first from the light water reactor and later from the fast breeder; hydrogen via electrolysis; and distant-future technical options such as fusion and central station solar power (aggregated and described only as an ''advanced technology''). Each energy source has its own cost parameters and introduction date, but is interdependent with other components of the energy sector. For example, the amount of coal consumed in electric power plants can affect the marginal cost of production--and hence the cost of coal-based synthetic fuels for nonelectric energy. The converse is also true. Thus, it is not sufficient to look at individual technologies in isolation; an attempt is made here to compare their effects upon the system as a whole. 32 references.

• Research Organization: Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 7116701
• Journal Information: Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 7:2; ISSN BJEMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290100 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Analysis & Modeling
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
292000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
BREEDER REACTORS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL LIQUEFACTION
COMBUSTION
DEMAND FACTORS
ECONOMETRICS
ECONOMIC ELASTICITY
ECONOMICS
ELECTROLYSIS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY MODELS
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
LIQUEFACTION
LYSIS
NONLINEAR PROGRAMMING
NORTH AMERICA
OXIDATION
POWER GENERATION
POWER PLANTS
REACTORS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
USA
WATER COOLED REACTORS