A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Wind, Solar Photovoltaic, Fossil Fuel, and Nuclear Power Generation: Techno-Economic Metrics, Environmental Footprints, and Biodiversity Impacts
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis of four major electrical power generation technologies; wind energy, solar photovoltaics (PV), fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) and nuclear power through an integrative comparative analysis. This paper examines energy densities, Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), capacity factor, carbon intensity, as well as direct effects on ecosystems and living organisms using a systematic life-cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic review framework. Although fossil fuels still have high capacity factors, their externalities on the environment namely the issue of greenhouse gases and ambient air pollution are existential threats. On the other hand, wind and solar PV provide clean operation, but have a spatial footprint requirement and intermittency. Nuclear energy provides high-density, low-carbon baseload electricity but has very stringent economic, regulatory and waste management conditions. It is in these dimensions that this paper will synthesize to provide probable energy transition pathways
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Copyright (c) 2026 Safwat N. Mahdi, Omar A. Huseen, Hasan Mubshar Ibrahim (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
