Title: Energy systems in transition: perspectives for the diffusion of small-scale wood pellet heating technology

Authors: Leif Gustavsson, Krushna Mahapatra, Reinhard Madlener

Addresses: Ecotechnology, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Ostersund, Sweden. ' Ecotechnology, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Ostersund, Sweden. ' Centre for Energy Policy and Economics (CEPE), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, ETH Zentrum WEC C 25, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: Promising small-scale wood pellet heating systems with sizable market potentials have started to penetrate the residential heating market in Europe and elsewhere. Despite significant technological progress, cost reduction, improved convenience and reliability, and reduced environmental impact, diffusion of such systems will nonetheless take time. Framework and market conditions, and especially drivers and barriers and the overall merits of such systems in comparison to alternative solutions, need to be properly understood by policy-makers and entrepreneurs for the successful promotion of this technology. In this article, we cover three important aspects related to small-scale pellet heating systems. First, we summarise recent technological, socio-economic, and institutional trends. Second, we report on results from a comparative analysis of the direct and indirect external costs and benefits of this technology. Third, we discuss the usefulness of various diffusion modelling approaches used in economics in the light of the technology scrutinised and existing data constraints.

Keywords: technological innovation; diffusion modelling; adoption; wood pellet heating systems; bioenergy; renewable energy; alternative energy; sustainable development; small-scale heating; socio-economic trends; institutional trends; costs; benefits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2005.006010

International Journal of Technology Management, 2005 Vol.29 No.3/4, pp.327 - 347

Published online: 19 Jan 2005 *

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