LLNL projected that further development after widespread commercial deployment might lead to further technology improvements and cost reductions, and proposed a LIFE.3 design of about $6.3 billion CAPEX and 1.6 GW nameplate for a price per watt of $4.2/W. This leads to a projected LCOE of 5.5 cents/kWh, which is competitive with offshore wind , but unlikely to be so in 2040 when LIFE.3 designs would start construction. LIFE plants would be wholesale sellers, competing against a baseload rate of about 5.3 cents/kWh .
