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Coal is the #1 source of the U.S.
electricity (as well as the world's), providing 2000 TWh electricity
per year (50% of U.S. electrical
energy). Coal reserves are plentiful; it is
estimated that coal would last another 200-250 years at current
consumption rates. Coal plants are typically 40%
efficient.
Coal's direct costs are very competitive which often makes it the first
choice for new energy production. Coal direct costs: $50/MWh Coal indirect costs: $80/MWh Coal true price: $130/MWh (2050 prediction: +$0/MWh) |
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| Solar |
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| Policy! |
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| Direct
Costs |
Indirect
Costs |
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| Capital Construction Costs Coal power plants have run about $1000-1500/kWe in the past decade (1), but costs have escalated to $3500/kW between 2005 and 2008 due to worldwide demand for new power plants (2). For this assessment we will assume $2000/kW -- a typical 600 MW coal power plant would cost $1.2 billion to construct, with an energy cost contribution of $22/MWh. Operating Costs The price of coal quadrupled between 2005 and 2008, before falling 50% in 2009 (3). Assuming 2009 prices, fuel runs about $20/MWh and operating and maintenance costs about $8/MWh. (3) |
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(1) Energy Information Administration "Projected Costs of Electricity Generation" (eia.gov).
(2) Synapse Energy - "Coal-Fired Power Plant Construction Costs" (synapse-energy.com).
(3) Energy Information Administration (eia.gov).