Solar PV, Wind, and Biofuel Markets Surge 35 Percent to $188.1 Billion in 2010

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Clean Energy Trends 2011 is now available. This special anniversary edition looks at the past 10 years of clean-energy activity in the U.S. and abroad. The full report can be downloaded here.

The report includes growth projections for the major clean-energy sectors (solar PV, wind, and biofuels), as well as global clean-tech investment data and emerging trends.

The report’s key findings include:

  • In 2010, combined global revenue for solar photovoltaics (PV), wind power, and biofuels surged 35.2 percent over the prior year, growing from $139.1 billion to $188.1 billion.
  • Over the past decade solar PV and wind have experienced annual average growth rates of 40 percent and 30 percent respectively.
  • Biofuels reached $56.4 billion in 2010 and are projected to grow to $112.8 billion by 2020. In 2010, the biofuels market consisted of more than 27.2 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel production worldwide.
  • Wind power is projected to expand from $60.5 billion in 2010 to $122.9 billion in 2020. For the first time since Clean Edge began tracking the wind power sector, the global wind market witnessed a slight year-over-year decline in market size.
  • Solar photovoltaics are projected to grow from a $71.2 billion industry in 2010 to $113.6 billion by 2020. New installations reached more than 15.6 GW worldwide in 2010, a more than doubling from 7.1 GW in 2009.
  • U.S.-based venture capital investments in clean tech increased 46 percent from $3.5 billion in 2009 to $5.1 billion in 2010, according to data provided by the Cleantech Group. Clean-tech’s percentage of total U.S. venture capital investments continued to rise, accounting for a record 23.2 percent of total U.S. venture activity in 2010.

In addition to highlighting the past 10 years in clean tech, including opportunities and challenges, the report outlines five key trends that will impact the markets in the coming years:

  • Incandescent Phase-Out Lights the Way for Low-Cost LEDs
  • Natural Gas Advances as a Powerful Partner for Wind and Solar Energy
  • Cleaner Aviation Fuels are Poised for Takeoff
  • Low-Cost Green Building Brings Relief – and Sustainability – Around the World
  • Innovation Provides Alternatives to Rare Earths

About Clean Energy Trends 2011
Clean Edge issues its annual Clean Energy Trends report to track key developments in clean-energy markets. Past reports have been downloaded by tens of thousands of individuals in government, finance, industry, and the media. Clean Energy Trends 2011 is made possible by the support of its sponsors, including premier sponsors Autodesk, Cascadia Capital, Deloitte, and Hobbs & Towne, and major sponsors E2, Mintz Levin, and Stoel Rives. The report can be downloaded free of charge at www.cleanedge.com.