Despite Negative Climate Change Discussions, Cleantech Investments on the Rise-

In spite of the dubious Copenhagen climate change talks, cleantech investing is set to have a successful year in 2010 – according to a recent survey performed by Jefferies investment banking group. The analysis report confirms that investments will remain strong, particularly overseas in Europe. To add, market analyst firm New Energy Finance expects global cleantech investments to reach $160 billion in 2010 – up from $125 billion in 2009. Business Green states in a release, “The survey of 200 clean tech investors representing over $400 billion of assets found that respondents believe that continued government subsidies and a general recovery in the credit markets will more than offset any harm done to the sector by politicians’ failure to secure a stronger international climate change agreement.” As cleantech investments are expected to gain momentum, the system will continue to rely heavily on support from policy measures; such as subsidies, tax incentives, low interest loans and other forms of financial aid. Bruce Huber, head of European cleantech investment activities at Jefferies, lends his comments, “What is clear is that both local government incentives and transnational policies aimed at putting the brakes on climate change are fundamental to the continued growth of the clean tech industry.” Business Green also mentions that many panel participants foresee a number of noteworthy clean technologies to be set for mainstream operation in the near future; with nearly half of the respondents anticipating a widespread adoption of electric vehicles in less than five years.