Clean Technology Investment Surges amidst Global Warming

American Venture Magazine - Investments in the clean technology sector soared in 2006, as venture capitalists increased spending by 78 percent to $2.9 billion. Experts say the market is hot amidst concern about global warming, higher energy prices, improved technology, and public policies enacted at the state and national levels.

The findings were released today in a new study by the Cleantech Network, a Cleantech Group Company and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). The full report, "Cleantech Venture Capital: How Public Policy Has Stimulated Private Investment," is available at www.e2.org and www.cleantech.com.

"It's a bull market for clean technology," said Bob Epstein, E2 co-founder and study co-author. "Investors see favorable investment opportunities for renewable energy and other technologies that offer solutions to global warming."

The report found that cleantech growth in 2006 was driven almost entirely by the energy technology sector. A significant increase in investments during the second and third quarters was driven by capital targeted for companies moving into production. Cilion, Altra, Bloom Energy, Renewable Energy Group, and Nanosolar – all of which represent new renewable energy technology or biofuels – collectively accounted for more than $600 million in investment in 2006. Read More.