Demonstration project as a procedure for accelerating the application of new technology (Charpie Task Force report). Volume II

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5009747· OSTI ID:5009747

This report examines the issues associated with government programs proposed for the ''commercialization'' of new energy technologies; these programs are intended to hasten the pace at which target technologies are adopted by the private sector. The ''commercial demonstration'' is the principal tool used in these programs. Most previous government interventions in support of technological change have focused on R and D and left to the private sector the decision as to adoption for commercial utilization; thus there is relatively little in the way of analysis or experience which bears direct application. The analysis is divided into four sections. First, the role of R, D, and D within the structure of the national energy goals and policies is examined. The issue of ''prices versus gaps'' is described as a crucial difference of viewpoint concerning the role of the government in the future of the energy system. Second, the process of technological change as it occurs with respect to energy technologies is then examined for possible sources of misalignment of social and private incentives. The process is described as a series of investments. Third, correction of these sources of misalignment then becomes the goal of commercial demonstration programs as this goal and the means for attaining it are explored. Government-supported commercialization may be viewed as a subsidy to the introduction stage of the process; the circumstances under which such subsidies are likely to affect the success of the subsequent diffusion stage are addressed. The discussion then turns to the political, legal, and institutional problems. Finally, methods for evaluation and planning of commercial demonstration programs are analyzed. The critical areas of ignorance are highlighted and comprise a research agenda for improved analytical techniques to support decisions in this area.

• Research Organization: Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: EX-76-C-01-2295-006
• OSTI ID: 5009747
• Report Number(s): DOE/RA-0003/2
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
PLANNING
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
DECISION MAKING
COMMERCIALIZATION
ENERGY POLICY
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LEGAL ASPECTS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOCIAL IMPACT
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
US ERDA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
US ORGANIZATIONS
290500* - Energy Planning & Policy- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization