Investigations

Fig. 2

Cut-rate nuclear power
Generating nuclear power is financially competitive with producing coal and natural gas, according to University findings. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) per megawatt hour is $33 to $41 for coal, $35 to $45 for gas, and $31 to $46 for nuclear energy, Chicago researchers report in the August study, “The Economic Future of Nuclear Power.” The LCOE includes operating and annualized capital expenses for new plants.

Today nuclear power accounts for 20 percent of the nation’s energy supply, coal 50 percent, and gas 17 percent. Sponsored by the Energy Department, the study was a joint effort by the University’s economics department, Graduate School of Business, and Harris School of Public Policy.—M.L.

Graphic by Allen Carroll