The US has taken back the honor of leading the world in investments in clean energy technology. China has led world investment since 2008.
The total amount invested in clean tech during 2011 was $260 billion, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Of that, the US invested about $56 billion, while China’s total came in at $47.4 billion. US investment was aided by two federal programs that expired at the end of the year and likely accounted for at least half the US total.
Low prices for solar panels hurt manufacturers but boosted business for installers. Total global investment in solar energy totaled $136.6 billion, up 36% even as panel prices fell by -50% last year. Investments in wind power fell by -17% to just under than $74.9 billion.
The report also notes that “fund-raising in public markets and investment in government and corporate research and development all fell last year.”
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