The Clean Energy Opportunity

‘Energy innovation is a commitment to long-term prosperity.’
-American Energy Innovation Council

The global clean energy economy is rapidly expanding for a variety of reasons, including falling prices; growing demand for power, especially in emerging economies; the desire to create jobs and economic opportunities; and the need to reduce local and global air pollutants. Since 2004, private investment in such technologies has grown by more than 600 percent, and the sector could expand to $1.9 trillion in revenues between 2012 and 2018.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, worldwide energy demand is likely to increase 47 percent over 2010 levels by 2035. Demand in developing nations will grow by 72 percent, compared with 18 percent in developed nations. The International Energy Agency forecasts that clean energy will provide half the electricity generation capacity installed over the next 25 years. During that period, renewable energy could attract up to $5.9 trillion worth of investment.

This is a significant economic opportunity for countries that innovate, enhance, manufacture, and export new renewable energy technologies. Pew’s research concludes that nations whose policies promote a culture of innovation will be well positioned to reap the economic […]