Technology A emits 18 g CO2e/kWh over its life, costs $70/MWh and is available 90% of the time. Technology B emits 12 g CO2e/kWh, costs $55/MWh and is available 35%. Evaluate the claim that B is simply 'better'.

Question

Accepted Answer

B has lower reported emissions and cost per unit generated, but its lower availability changes system, storage and backup needs; the data do not support a single unconditional winner. Compare like units: B is lower in the two reported per-energy measures. A's higher availability may offer greater dispatchability or reduce complementary capacity needs. Ask whether costs include storage, transmission, decommissioning and the same discount or boundary assumptions. Conclude conditionally using priorities and system context rather than one selected number.

Compare energy claims fairly

Technology A emits 18 g CO2e/kWh over its life, costs $70/MWh and is available 90% of the time. Technology B emits 12 g CO2e/kWh, costs $55/MWh and is available 35%. Evaluate the claim that B is simply 'better'.

What a complete response should do

How did this one feel?