Since the Industrial Revolution, anthropogenic impacts on the environment have become more extreme. . Per capita consumption of raw materials and energy is also about ten times smaller. Prices will fall over time, but not without some demand, or at least anticipation of demand. Yet if the technology is not competitive at current prices, there may be little natural demand. This is why government policies to spur investment and drive demand for selective technologies are so important.
Good policy can substantially accelerate the maturation and adoption of new technologies.