2008 Volume 5 Pages 1-11
This paper examines the relationship between private and public sectors in diffusion process of the energy conservation technologies, based on the case study of "Eco Cute" high efficiency water heater technology. The paper illustrates how the heat pump technology overcame the so-called "valley of death", how it was applied to household water heater field and how it could diffuse very quickly through combination of public and private sectors' initiatives. Then, we would propose 3 important points: (1) the continuality and diversity of the R&D in the basic research phase supported by public sector; (2) the function of the "relevant marginal actor" in the commercializing phase; (3) the appropriate support measures by private and public sector. Finally, the paper points out the compatibility of infrastructure as a key condition to diffuse energy technology, and suggests improvement in energy policy based on comparison of "Eco Cute" and "EcoWill", gas engine co-generation water heater case.
