<P> Estimates of total lifetime energy returned on energy invested vary greatly depending on the study . An overview can be found here (Table 2): </P> <P> The effect of subsidies is difficult to gauge, as some are indirect (such as research and development). A May 12, 2008 editorial in The Wall Street Journal stated, "For electricity generation, the EIA (Energy Information Administration, an office of the Department of Energy) concludes that solar energy is subsidized to the tune of $24.34 per megawatt hour, wind $23.37 and' clean coal' $29.81 . By contrast, normal coal receives 44 cents, natural gas a mere quarter, hydroelectric about 67 cents and nuclear power $1.59 ." </P> <P> Lazard's report on the estimated levelized cost of energy by source (10th edition) estimated unsubsidized prices of $97--$136 / MWh for nuclear, $50--$60 / MWh for solar PV, $32--$62 / MWh for onshore wind, and $82--$155 / MWh for offshore wind . However, their report did not take into account any of the significant integration costs associated with variable renewable resources, assumed an unrealistically short facility lifetime of just 40 years for the nuclear plant, and used global illustrative costs of capital instead of the significantly lower OECD or North American costs of capital . </P> <P> However, the most important subsidies to the nuclear industry do not involve cash payments . Rather, they shift construction costs and operating risks from investors to taxpayers and ratepayers, burdening them with an array of risks including cost overruns, defaults to accidents, and nuclear waste management . This approach has remained remarkably consistent throughout the nuclear industry's history, and distorts market choices that would otherwise favor less risky energy investments . </P>

Which one of the following in a thermal power plant is not a fixed cost