28-11-07 With an anticipated investment value of $ 25 bn this year, following on the heels of a stellar 2006 in which investments tripled, Renewable Energy Investment in the US, a new report from market research firm Packaged Facts, projects that the rapidly emerging renewable energy (RE) investment market could skyrocket to nearly $ 50 bn by 2011.
Report projections are based on key assumptions, including oil prices continuing to rise; RE prices continuing to fall; government intervention in markets being once again viewed favourably; and increasing energy insecurity leading to greater awareness of RE potential. US investments in RE are following closely on the heels of an upward global trend, coupled with a sudden awakening to the volatility of traditional energy markets.

Yet as positive as the outlook may be, the growing pains typical of emerging markets could put a damper on industry growth. As of mid-2007, no agreement exists on standard RE investment market parameters and terms.
While several models have been proposed regarding how to intelligently define terms and set boundaries, these models have yet to be reconciled.

"This is the first study to demystify the financial complexities surrounding this rapidly evolving market. It clearly explains the new investment architecture taking shape to support RE, involving a blending of venture capital and private equity firms, banks, brokers, funds, corporations, and governments. And it explores the new financial vehicles created to fund RE development, including power purchase agreements, RE credits, and potential carbon markets," notes Tatjana Meerman, the publisher of Packaged Facts.
"We expect market momentum should escalate to where we're seeing double-digit annual growth rates over the next several years."