Is Sustainable Cost of Energy (SCOE) the way forward to compare generating technologies?

A new study, published in the Sustainability journal suggests that although Governments need to evaluate technologies generating electricity from different sources, the use of levelised cost of energy (LCOE) does not provide accurate comparisons of disparate technologies, especially where they have different operational lifespans.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114857

The authors of the study propose a new metric, the sustained cost of energy (SCOE), which negates some of the LCOE shortcomings such as the application of discounting. SCOE examines a fixed period of continuous generation, using the lowest common length of operating life of the technologies analysed. It appears to be a useful metric, especially when interpreted with IRR. The analyses produce broadly similar ordering of technologies, but the longer-lasting systems, such as tidal range, with high initial costings perform better in SCOE.

Support for tidal range (from independent reports and commissions, industry, academics, energy system operators, investors and environmentalists) as a key part of the UK's future energy mix get stronger and stronger. When will the Government in Westminster take note and give tidal range the policy support it deserves and help kick start an industry that will provide North Wales with much needed economic growth and employment?