Wind energy, solar and clean technologies brought in $140bn (£86bn) global investment last year according to the United Nations. The figure compared with only $110 bn (£68bn) for gas and coal electricity generation.
New investments were made throughout the globe, notably in developing countries. Wind energy technology was the front runner in 08 – attracting the biggest new worldwide investment of $52bn (£32bn). Solar energy was second favourite with $33.5bn (£21bn) investment. China experienced a $15.6bn (£10m) injection – mostly in wind energy and biomass electricity generation plant.
Anchim Steiner, executive director of the UN Environment Programme told The Guardian “There have been many milestones reached in recent years, but this report suggests renewable energy has now reached a tipping point where it is as important – if not more important – in the global energy mix than fossil fuels”
Following the announcement however, the UN sounded a note of caution. The figures for renewable energy investment this year started on a low with a 53% drop when compared against the first quarter of last year.
