Cleantech Group expects more Chinese solar IPOs

Chinese cleantech venture capital investment is expected to rise dramatically in 2007 to U.S. $580 million, and will surpass $720 million in 2008.

So says a new research report from the Cleantech Network, which also anticipates at least four more solar IPOs from China this year.

The company’s China Cleantech Venture Capital Investment Report says cleantech investment in China increased 147% from 2005 ($170 million) to 2006 ($420 million) and that Q1 2007 cleantech investment in China totaled $154 million.

The report is the first known snapshot of venture capital investments in cleantech in China.

“This landmark report clearly shows that China is a promising marketplace for clean technologies,” said Keith Raab, CEO and co-founder of parent company Cleantech Group.

“Trends emerging in 2007 point to more cleantech companies going public with at least four IPOs anticipated by Chinese companies in the solar segment alone.”

Chinese companies focused on technologies that improve water quality or provide alternative energy sources have taken the lead in cleantech venture capital investments, according to the report.

Investors are expected to continue favoring water and energy generation deals in the near future as well, analysts concluded.

Cleantech Network provides information for entrepreneurs, executives, investors, policy makers and thought leaders interested in the advancement of clean technologies to assist them in making informed decisions.

The Cleantech Network's China report may be downloaded for free here.