I am really thankful for your support.

I have two questions.

First one is how to measure the external cost of nuclear power using LEAP.

In contrast to other generation technologies, nuclear power (let me say) does not emit atmospheric emissions.

In that case, how can I calculate the external cost of nuclear power (I have some numbers which present the external cost of nuclear power per unit of MWh)?

The second question is variable O and M cost does not include fuel cost according to the Training exercise.

To include fuel cost for each electricity generating technology, do I need to put values for fuel cost in the module of resources?

Thank you in advance.

Thanks for your questions.

With regards to question 1, as you may know, typically external costs, such as costs per tonne of CO2 emitted, are entered in the "Externality Cost" variable for the effects listed under the Effects branch. However, non-emissions related external costs should be merged with one of the default cost variables in LEAP in order to be included in LEAP's cost-benefit analysis. Since the external costs that you are considering are in the units of cost per MWh, it makes most sense to merge this with the Variable O&M cost variable.

One way to do this is by creating a new user-variable for External Costs under the Transformation branches, and then referencing this new variable in the Variable O&M cost expression (see attached screenshot for an example). For help on adding new user variables, refer to the following help page: https://www.energycommunity.org/Help/Supporting_Screens/User_Variables.htm

As for question 2, process fuel costs should be entered in the Fuel Cost variable under the Feedstock Fuel branch for a transformation process. Here you can reference the Indigenous Cost or Import Cost variable from the Resources branch (as was done in Section 4.3.7 of the Training Exercises).

Hope this helps!
Emily