Externality Costs of Energy Production in Australia

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The costs of different forms of power generation have traditionally been calculated and compared on the basis that they consist of a capital charge, an operating cost and a fueld cost. There are however a range of additional costs that are not traditionally included in the comparison of different technologies. These are the costs of externalities-the impact on health, environment, amenity, land use and climate of the facilities, their supporting infrastructure and the various emissions and wastes they generate. This study will provide a better basis on which the community can assess the relative costs of different energy production technologies and assist in directing future energy policy. Where figures are difficult to quantify or under dispute (such as the cost that should be attributed to carbon dioxide emissions) the study will identify a range of feasible scenarious and comparisons between technologies made for each. The study would be undertaken in a way that was consistent with similar work overseas and so allow valid comparisons between Australian and international positions.