Investment in renewable energy and low carbon technology has more than doubled in the past two years, and it is set to grow another 30 per cent this year to $63.3bn, according to information provider New Energy Finance. Investments in clean energy globally totalled $48.9bn in 2005, says Michael Liebreich, its chief executive, making up 10 per cent of all investment in energy worldwide.

The number of ways investors can become involved has never been greater. “All financial asset classes are seeing rapid growth, especially public market investments, venture capital and private equity, and project finance. Investment is growing in all geographies and practically all sectors, including renewable energy, biofuels, energy storage and efficiency technologies, hydrogen and fuel cells and associated services,” says Mr Liebreich.