Madlener, Reinhard () (E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN)) Wenk, Christioph () (Swiss Banking Institute, University of Zurich)
Additional information is available for the following
registered author(s):
In this paper, we investigate existing and possible future power generation capacities in Switzerland from a risk-return perspective, using the Mean-Variance Portfolio Theory of Markowitz (1952). The study covers power generation technologies currently in operation, such as nuclear power, storage hydro power and run-of-river hydro power plants, and two new renewable energy technologies (photovoltaics and wind). Additionally, natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) technology, a possible extension to the current Swiss portfolio, is assessed. The technology-specific risks considered include electricity spot market price, production capacity and reliability, fuel cost, funding liabilities, and operation and maintenance outlays. These factors are implemented in a Net Present Value (NPV) model and Monte Carlo simulations are applied to assess each investment alternative. The lifetime-adjusted average return, together with the return-specific variance, forms the basis for the portfolio optimization conducted in the second stage of the analysis. The minimum variance (or maximum return) optimization is performed separately for base-load and peak-load technology portfolios. By defining different scenarios for the upper and lower bound for each technology's share, we simulate different situations, enabling us both, to explain the risk-return profile of the current technology mix, and to make predictions for future portfolios. Our NPV calculations are in line with currently observed returns and, by imposing some reasonable restrictions, the model performs sufficiently well in terms of explaining past portfolio compositions. Moreover, our predicted optimal outcome matches quite nicely with the debated options for enlarging power production in Switzerland.
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Publisher Info
Paper provided by E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN) in its series FCN Working Papers with number
2/2008.