A COMPARISON OF CO2 EMISSIONS FROM FOSSIL AND SOLAR POWER-PLANTS IN THE UNITED-STATES

We present estimates of the lifetime carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired, photovoltaic, and solar thermal power plants in the United States. These CO2 estimates are based on a net energy analysis derived from both operational systems and detailed design studies. It appears that energy-conservation measures and shifting from fossil to renewable energy sources have significant long-term potential to reduce CO2 production caused by energy generation. The implications of these results for a national energy policy are discussed.