Comparative Costs of Electricity Generation

Abstract

This paper provides an update to the 1998 NRCan paper "Comparative Costs of Electricity Generation: A Canadian Perspective"; it discusses the key factors impacting on the costs of nuclear, coal and gas-fired electricity and presents the results from recent studies. The paper also presents a summary of a recent NRCan study which looks at the potential for nuclear energy in meeting Canada's CO₂ emission targets. In light of the increased focus on environmental uncertainties (or externalities) surrounding the various options and the need to treat these in a common and consistent manner the paper examines the impact on comparative LUEC if one were to account for these uncertainties.