The Clean Energy Economy

A new worldwide industry is dawning. The global clean energy economy experienced tremendous growth over the past five years – with investment growth of 230 percent since 2005 – all the while weathering the recent financial downturn.

For the private sector, the clean energy economy presents a significant and expanding market opportunity. The ongoing priority for energy security, reduction of global warming pollution and creation of jobs is setting the stage for global investment in the clean energy sector to grow 25 percent to a record $200 billion in 2010.

At home, the clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs for people of all skill levels and educational backgrounds. By 2007, more than 68,200 businesses across all 50 states and the District of Columbia accounted for more than 770,000 jobs, despite a lack of sustained government support in the past decade.

In spite of the considerable opportunity for investment and economic growth, U.S. clean energy overall investments fell 40 percent in 2009 compared to the year before, leaving the U.S. with a second-place ranking among G-20 members. Other country’s growth in investments over the last five years has surpassed the U.S., giving reason to be concerned about the country’s competitive position in the clean energy economy. However, with a foundation of significant clean energy resources, strong entrepreneurship and robust federal policies, the U.S. has the potential to regain leadership in the clean energy economy.

Our Reports:

For the first time, China led the United States and other G-20 members in 2009 clean energy investments and finance, according to Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? Growth, Competition and Opportunity in the World's Largest Economies. The new report examines key financial, investment and technological trends related to G-20 members and the clean energy economy. Download the report (PDF) Download the executive summary (PDF) Find out more

The clean energy economy, still in its infancy, is emerging as a vital component of America's new economic landscape. That's the finding of The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America (PDF), a groundbreaking analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts that sheds light on an increasingly important part of the nation's economic recovery. Download the report (PDF) Find out more