The Natural Gas scenario would cost the least, while the Renewable scenario would be the highest-cost portfolio for meeting New England’s growing electricity needs. Contributed Graphic
A coalition of free-market think tanks, including Connecticut’s Yankee Institute, released a study Tuesday arguing that New England would save between $400 billion and $700 billion by 2050 if states replaced planned wind and solar projects with nuclear power plants and natural gas facilities.
The study, “Alternatives to New England’s Affordability Crisis,” estimated meeting the region’s 2050 energy needs with nuclear power would cost $415.3 billion and achieve 92% carbon-free power, while natural gas would cost $106.9 billion with a 24.5% emissions reduction.
A combination of nuclear and natural gas plants — called the “Happy Medium” scenario — would cost $195.8 billion and cut emissions by 50%, according to the analysis conducted by Always On Energy Research.
American Buddhist Net 