Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011

Global clean energy finance and investment (i.e. for renewables) grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5% increase over the previous year, according to new research  released by The Pew Charitable Trusts.  Among G-20) nations, the United States reclaimed the top spot from China, which led the global clean energy race since 2009. Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and India were also among the nations that most successfully attracted private investments last year.

Among renewable technologies, solar increased globally by 44%, attracting $128 billion and accounting for more than half of all clean energy investment among members of the G-20.

The combination of falling prices and growing investments accelerated installation of clean energy generating capacity by a record 83.5 GW in 2011. Almost 30 GW of new solar and 43 GW of wind power were deployed. Renewable power generating capacity, at 565 GW globally, was nearly 50% more than installed nuclear generating capacity in 2010.