Currently in comes out of the inventor's pocket.
As you are eluding, a free energy device will not be free. There will be manufacturing costs.
It may end up being made in everyone's garages, or in several large factories around the world.
But, if the inventor tries to hold onto the idea so that they can become the only manufacturer of it, and thus be able to gouge everyone on price, it will fail from the all aspects.
I think if we got past the money part and just said country to country let's build this for societies sake then it'll get built faster and money wouldn't be the problem and after its finished all countries get access to it.
Countries (corporations, like The United States of America) do not want free energy. The people of these nations want such. But, T.P.T.shouldn'tB. do not want it ever.
Did you know that Kalifornia tore down one of the early solar power plants. Solar Two is now gone. :~(
There was an initiative to develop fusion energy. And just about the time they were starting to get to unity, The US pulled out its funding of the project.
Also, all inventions of note were invented in a garage.
Nothing important has ever been developed by big business.
These big businesses are looking at if we make or create this we won't have anymore income or control, so they really want people to live under their thumb. I think if we want true freedom we need to get that old way of thinking out. but for governments and business that probably a hell no. we might have to get a very wealthy person to do it just to lead the change and do it solo, so no country or government would stop him or her doing git.