I don't want to digress from SI discussions, but following up on posts
regarding electricity generation: ALL production methods are
subsidized one way or another. Some of the subsidies are more concealed
than others, or more subtle. But don't be fooled into thinking that
solar is subsidized but nuclear is not. Or oil, or hydro for that
matter. I am not fearful of the dangers of nuclear plants (they are all
over France), but nuclear plants are frightfully expensive and it is
entirely possible that the zillions of kWh they will generate will not
cover their true costs. I doubt that the same can be said against
solar, which is comparatively cheap to develop and long lasting with no
danger or disposal problems.
It would be interesting to see a comprehensive study of the true, total,
start-up to shut-down, top-to-bottom "costs" of generating electricity
from different sources. It would be difficult to do. But as economists
say, "there is no such thing as a free lunch."
HARRY WYETH
