DO A COST COMPARISON ON NUCLEAR ENERGY AND ENGERY OBTAINED FROM WIND AN SOLAR. Do not factor in renewable subsidies

To conduct a cost comparison of nuclear energy versus energy obtained from wind and solar, we will look at various factors that contribute to the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), which is the cost per unit of electricity generated.

### Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

1. **Nuclear Energy:**
   - **Construction Costs:** Nuclear plants are capital-intensive to build, often costing between $6,000 to $9,000 per kW.
   - **Operating Costs:** Typically, the operating and maintenance costs range from $100 to $150 per MWh.
   - **Fuel Costs:** The cost of uranium and its processing can vary, but it typically contributes around $10 to $15 per MWh.
   - **Decommissioning & Waste Management:** This can add costs, averaging around $10 to $15 per MWh over the life of the plant.
   - **LCOE Range:** When averaged out, the LCOE for nuclear energy is generally around $100 to $150 per MWh, depending on location, technology, and other factors.

2. **Wind Energy:**
   - **Construction Costs:** Onshore wind has lower construction costs compared to offshore wind, averaging between $1,200 to $2,500 per kW.
   - **Operating Costs:** Typical operating and maintenance costs are about $25 to $40 per MWh.
   - **Capacity Factor:** Wind's capacity factor typically ranges between 30% to 50%, which is significant for calculating total output.
   - **LCOE Range:** The LCOE for onshore wind energy is approximately $30 to $60 per MWh, while offshore wind can be higher, generally between $60 to $120 per MWh.

3. **Solar Energy:**
   - **Construction Costs:** Utility-scale solar PV costs approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per kW.
   - **Operating Costs:** Operating and maintenance costs are generally low, around $10 to $20 per MWh.
   - **Capacity Factor:** Solar capacity factors generally range from 15% to 25% based on location.
   - **LCOE Range:** The LCOE for solar PV can vary considerably, with utility-scale solar averaging around $30 to $60 per MWh in favorable locations but potentially higher in less optimal conditions.

### Summary Table of LCOE (Excluding Subsidies)

| Energy Source | LCOE Range (MWh)     |
|---------------|-----------------------|
| Nuclear       | $100 - $150           |
| Onshore Wind  | $30 - $60             |
| Offshore Wind  | $60 - $120            |
| Solar         | $30 - $60             |

### Key Considerations
- **Intermittency and Reliability:** Unlike nuclear, wind and solar are intermittent sources that require supplemental energy or storage solutions to ensure reliability.
- **Land Use and Environmental Impact:** Both wind and solar require significant land footprints, while nuclear has a smaller footprint but requires extensive safety measures.
- **Long-Term Viability:** Nuclear offers a stable output which can run continuously for long periods, whereas wind and solar depend on weather and time of day.
  
### Conclusion
When comparing the costs of nuclear energy with wind and solar, it's clear that without subsidies, renewable sources like wind and solar present significantly lower LCOE figures. However, the choice depends on several other factors, including energy reliability, grid capacity, environmental considerations, and the specific energy needs of a region. While renewable energy sources might seem more cost-effective purely from an LCOE perspective, the complete picture would also involve assessing reliability, infrastructure, and energy security.