RE: Research Topics

["Weststeijn, Andries" <Andries.Weststeijn@essent.nl>]

Thor,

You write:
>I am sick of the energy industry insisting that
renewables (solar, wind, etc.) are too expensive--not
cost competitive--since that depends entirely on the
degree to which the social costs of energy use are
reflected in the price (which is very little at
present)

Why blame the energy industry?

They don't do anything but look at the price differential between options!
And wonder how long the latest political ruling on renewables might last.
And try to out-do each other in long term guessing.
And sometimes take a dive into the unknown (like pre-investing heavily in
solar or plantations or the like).
 
The differential between energy options -in case of renewables incl biomass-
is currently determined by society at large (the people), through their
elected political officials. That's where the boundary conditions and the
financial priorities are set at the moment and the apples and pears
compared. More so, than at the energy companies proper.

On social costs: if social costs of energy usage are to be determined and
universally applied and reflected across the board, you talk universal
emissions standards, specific levy's or general taxation. 
All within the realm of your political representative, not of your
individual energy company.  

Without talking politics, it is good to agree on what issues need to be
resolved WHERE.

best,
Andries


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