Renewable Energy Investments up in 1Q 2010

31 March 2010– Clean technology venture investments in the first quarter of 2010 for North America, Europe, China and India totaled $1.9 billion across 180 companies, according to data reported by Cleantech Group and Deloitte.

Investments in cleantech ventures went up 29 percent from the previous quarter. They were up 83 percent from the same quarter a year ago. U.S. wind, biomass, smart grid and solar projects had the most investments from utilities and corporations in the first quarter of 2010.

Solar projects had the second-highest amount of clean tech investments overall with 27 deals receiving $322 million in first quarter 2010. North American companies raised $1.5 billion. That amount was up 79 percent from the fourth quarter of 2009 and up 133 percent from the first quarter of 2009. California led with $870 million in investments,
followed by Oregon with $179 million.