On the contribution of external cost calculations to energy system governance: the case of a potential large-scale nuclear accident

E. Laes, G. Meskens, J.P. van der Sluijs

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The European Commission's ExternE Project has made major advances in the quantification of external costs of electricity. Although some impacts cannot be valued, important conclusions are possible. This paper outlines some provisional implications for energy policy. External costs are technology dependent and for some older power plants are large compared to electricity prices. Global warming and nuclear accidents have very uncertain external costs and pose threats to sustainability. Well located renewable energy sources have low external costs and provide sustainable energy options. Both economic and regulatory instruments may be used for internalizing environmental externalities — a mix will be most appropriate.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5664-5573
    Number of pages10
    JournalEnergy Policy
    Volume39
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

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