ENGINEERING ECO ANALYSIS W/STUDY GUIDE
ENGINEERING ECO ANALYSIS W/STUDY GUIDE
13th Edition
ISBN: 9780190693053
Author: NEWNAN
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Question
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Chapter 12, Problem 1QTC
To determine

The side that has stronger argument.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) is defined as a federal incentive which provides financial support for the development of renewable energy facilities.

Opponents of the wind energy tax credit argue that the market should determine the future of alternative energy sources. Supporters argue that government has historically supported the oil and coal industries through subsidies and that alternative energy reduces what society pays for health and the environment.

The side of supporters has a strong argument as governments support in the form of subsidies is required for the society.

There are various reasons which justify the role of the government in renewable energy investment:

  1. Energy security
  2. Afford ability
  3. Potential for job creation
  4. Future economic strategic positioning
  5. Addressing environmental and other externalities.

As the government (a) Gives direct grants and investments (b) gives loans and loan guarantees (c) Tax incentive.

The other argument that is “Leave it to the market” states:

The role of the government should be less; they argue that actually the current prices closely reflects the social costs, and that the market will be careful of the development of renewable energy as it is cost-effective.

As the costs of Present Value technology energy storage, and other clean energy technology and wind turbines have decreased with time, in their own right they have become competitive and it would be inefficient on the part of the government to invest at an early stage in uneconomic technologies.

According to the advocates of this theory state that in these scenario private investors knows better what to invest in for the long term.

Second argument states that the external cost is unsure, and the costs of renewable energy could be greater or equal as compared to the traditional technologies which are fossil-fuel based.

Conclusion:

So the supporter’s viewpoint is has stronger argument.

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Chapter 12 Solutions

ENGINEERING ECO ANALYSIS W/STUDY GUIDE

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