Cleantech investment topped $3.6B in 2006

North American and European venture investment in cleantech/greentech totaled a record $3.6 billion for 2006, according to the Cleantech Venture Network.

The group's numbers show a 45% increase over 2005 cleantech investment of $2.5 billion, and a doubling over 2004 investment of $1.7 billion.

About $775 million was invested in Q4 2006, a 10% increase over the Q4 2005 investment of $704 million. Yet investments tapered off somewhat in the latter part of the year; the fourth quarter 2006 total was down 28% from the record $1.1 billion invested in Q3 2006.

Energy-related investment accounted for $2.6 billion, or 72%, of total 2006 cleantech venture investment.

This represented a near doubling over the $1.3 billion invested in the energy category in 2005 and almost three times the amount invested in 2004. The Energy Generation segment totaled $1.7 billion, an 83% increase from 2005.

The group said factors fueling investor interest in 2006 included high energy prices, growing awareness of issues such as global warming, favorable public policies and growth in available venture capital.

Cleantech Venture Network researchers will be presenting in-depth data on cleantech venture investing for North America, Europe and China at next week's Cleantech Forum in San Francisco.

About Cleantech Venture Network is a membership group that catalyzes investment, business opportunities, and relationships driving the growth of cleantech globally.

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