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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Beyond LCOE: Methodological Limitations and a Macroeconomic Framework for Energy Transition Costs

Authors: Bhatta, Bibek;

Beyond LCOE: Methodological Limitations and a Macroeconomic Framework for Energy Transition Costs

Abstract

While Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) can be useful as a project‑level screening tool, this paper argues that it is not a reliable basis for comparing electricity generation technologies or assessing the wider cost of energy transition. Standard LCOE calculations embed inconsistent discount rates, overlook end‑use differences, omit key technologies such as nuclear from headline comparisons, and treat projected carbon prices as fixed inputs rather than uncertain policy variables. Individually and in combination, these methodological choices distort cost comparisons and risk misleading policy decisions. To address this, the report introduces a simple macroeconomic framework that links persistent changes in the real cost of energy to national income using a small number of observable variables, making the cost of transition explicit and testable under alternative scenarios. Together, these insights highlight the need to move beyond narrow generation metrics toward more transparent, economy-wide assessments of energy transition costs.

Keywords

Electricity generation, Renewable energy, Energy Transition, Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Energy Security

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average