1 July 2008: The
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched the Report Global
Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2008: Analysis of Trends and Issues in
the Financing of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The Report notes
record breaking investment levels in the sustainable energy sector during 2007,
with over US$148 billion of new investment, an increase of 60% over 2006,
largely driven by wind power.

The Report says the
effects of the financial crisis have been mild on the sustainable energy
sector, mainly during the first trimester of 2008, and investment flows have
not only continued to grow, but have broadened and diversified, making the
overall picture one of greater breadth, depth and scale in sustainable energy.
It also states that mainstream capital markets are now fully receptive to
sustainable energy companies, supported by a surge in funds destined for clean
energy investment. The Report further notes greater activity in next-generation
activities (such as cellulosic ethanol, thin-film solar technologies and energy
efficiency) and geographic broadening of renewables investment in 2007, with
renewable capacity rollout continuing to shift away from Europe and towards
China and the United States. [Summary or report, with free
registration] [Report]