Comparative costs of electricity generation: update 2000

This paper provides an update to the 1998 NRCan paper 'Comparative Costs of Electricity Generation: A Canadian Perspective'; it discusses the key factors impacting on the costs of nuclear, coal and gas-fired electricity and presents results from recent studies. The paper also presents a summary of a recent NRCan study which looks at the potential for nuclear energy in meeting Canada's CO2 emission targets. In light of the increased focus on environmental uncertainties (or externalities) surrounding the various options and the need to treat these in a common and consistent manner the paper examines the impact on comparative LUEC if one were to account for these uncertainties. (author)