Reneable Electricity Generation Economic Analysis and Outlook [Paperback]

This volume examines the outlook for renewable energy in electricity generation-particularly wind and solar power-as a substitute for conventional fuels such as coal and natural gas. Economist Benjamin Zycher evaluates the central arguments in favor of policies that would make way for broader use of renewables and concludes that all are deeply problematic. Renewable energy sources are not superior in cost to conventional fuels; nor are they less taxing on the environment. The popular argument that increased use of renewables will create green jobs is likewise a fallacy-because wind and solar power are costly and inefficient, the net economic impact is a negative one. Zycher concludes that resource-use behaviors emerging from market competition are the best guides to effective, sustainable energy policies.List of illustrationsAcknowledgmentsExecutive SummaryIntroductionChapter 1: A Summary of Public Policy Support for Renewable Energy in Electricity GenerationAppendix to Chapter 1Chapter 2: Problems Afflicting Renewable Energy in Electricity GenerationUnconcentrated Energy ContentSiting Limitations and Transmission CostsLow Availability and IntermittencyChapter 3: Central Rationales for Policy Support for Renewables: A ReviewThe Infant-Industry ArgumentLeveling the Playing FieldAdverse External Effects of Conventional GenerationThe Resource Depletion or Sustainability ArgumentGreen Jobs: Renewable Power as a Source of Expanded EmploymentChapter 4: Some Implications of the Outlook for the Natural Gas MarketConclusionIndexAbout the AuthorBenjamin Zycher is a senior fellow in economic studies at the Pacific Research Institute.