Isra-Mart srl:Report: Clean tech investment soars during 2010

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Isra-Mart srl news:

Despite the weak economic backdrop, the global markets for solar photovoltaics (PV), wind energy and biofuels continued to expand rapidly during 2010, according to the latest report from research firm Clean Edge.

Released today, the report, entitled Clean Energy Trends 2011, reveals that combined global revenue for solar PV, wind power, and biofuels rose 35.2 per cent year-on-year to $188.1bn (£116.6bn), primarily driven by a doubling in solar installations.

It also predicts the biofuels market will double over the next decade from $56.4bn in 2010 to $112.8bn in 2020, while the wind energy market will similarly double in size to be worth $122.9bn a year by 2020. In addition, the report predicts the solar PV market will grow from $71.2bn last year to $113.6bn by 2020, noting that rapid adoption is being driven by falling prices for PV technologies.

The report cites similar research from the Cleantech Group showing that US-based venture capital (VC) investment in clean tech firms recovered strongly during 2010, rising from $3.5bn in 2009 to $5.1bn a year later.

The report noted that while VC investment fell short of the record $6.1bn invested in 2008, clean tech firms accounted for nearly a quarter of all VC activity last year, setting a new record for the sector.

Clean Edge highlighted a number of clean tech sectors that are likely to enjoy increased momentum during 2011, including energy efficient lighting, natural gas technologies, aviation biofuels, green building innovations and viable alternatives to rare earths.