The global alternative and renewable energy industry expanded “rapidly” over the last year despite the global economic recession impact on worldwide energy demand, according to merger and acquisition (M&A) organisation IMAP Inc.
In its 2010 Global Alternative Energy Global Report, IMAP says 2009 saw the first decline in worldwide energy demand since 1982. “However, the combined revenue of the three major sources of alternative energy was US$144.5 billion, up 15.8% from 2008.”
Government support and stimulus packages helped renewable energy globally boosting wind capacity by 31%, solar by 47% and biofuels by 21%.
Furthermore, energy smart technologies such as digital energy applications, power saving appliances and electric vehicles attracted more venture capital and private equity investment “than any other renewable energy technology,” IMAP says.
From second quarter (Q2) 2009 to Q2 2010, the alternative and renewable energy industry saw 391 transactions valued at US$20.4bn in total transaction value – up 54.8%.
Technologies, countries and regions
Solar and wind accounted for almost 58% of the total volume. China was the country with the highest transaction value of US$5.4bn with a total of 23 alternative and renewable energy transactions over the period. US came second with US$2.6bn from 72 transactions, followed by Spain, the Philippines and India.
Asia was the leading region with 63 transactions followed by Europe with 183, North America with 110 and the Middle East with four.
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