Energy Subsidies

[cannon_fodder]

As energy costs are going up and actually gaining some attention, Congress is set to spend more and MORE money to subsidies our energy habits.  Petroleum is getting the most attention and is heavily subsidized in it's own right - but every energy source is subsidized.

Comparison done in subsidy ($) per Megawatts/hr

Ethanol - $100 (some debate on IF it actual equates to a net gain of energy.  as high as $2.2 subsidy for each gallon counting corn + direct = 75K BTU = .022 Megawatts/hr.)

"clean coal" - $29.81 ("quote" per text)

solar energy - $24.34

wind - $23.37

nuclear power - $1.59

hydroelectric - 67 cents

normal coal - 44 cents

natural gas - 25 cents

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121055427930584069.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Well, that sours me on the concept of "clean coal" and goes a long way on destroying my notion of solar or wind being a viable energy source in the near future (both have been around long enough to be beyond the experimental highly subsidized phase).  I always knew ethanol was a bad bargain, and that's  assuming it's worth a damn and ignoring the effects on food prices.

Nuclear power or bust, I'm afraid.  Unless we decide to stop splurging on energy I guess.

If I have more time I'll figure the total cost of producing energy from each source discounting subsidies.  Interesting point of discussion anyway, I thought.

[Breadburner]

Ethanol could be viable if they would drop corn as the feedstock for production.....

[FOTD]

As an ex foe to Nukes I now must agree CF.

And a higher tax on gasoline to drive down demand.....

Sorry, I know that economic restaint runs against your grains.....

[Gaspar]

I'm currently looking for the nuclear conversion kit for my trailblazer.  I am no longer happy with the quality of the gas I am purchasing for the price I am paying!

I think if they are going to charge over $3.50 for a gallon of gas, then their should at least be an Arab gentleman at the pump, thanking me for my financial support.

We have engaged in subsidizing entire countries because we are too lazy, weak, and too afraid to invest in our own energy future.  I think we deserve everything we are getting now.  I see how it's starting to change people's minds about energy independence.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by FOTD

As an ex foe to Nukes I now must agree CF.

And a higher tax on gasoline to drive down demand.....

Sorry, I know that economic restaint runs against your grains.....

Demand IS down and yet prices rose .20 last week in spite of it.