US drops back in clean energy race

April 22, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

The global clean energy sector is undergoing geographic and technological shifts as new markets emerge and renewable capacity grows, according to research released by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The sector registered a record 88 GW of additional generating capacity in 2012, even though investment levels declined 11 percent -- to $269 billion -- from 2011.

The 11 percent decline was due in part to curtailed incentive programs in a number of countries, among them Spain, Italy, and Germany. Policy uncertainty in the U.S. has caused investment patterns to fluctuate sharply in recent years.

Elsewhere, continuing support for clean energy led to record levels of investment in a number of nations, including China and South Africa. Renewable energy installations grew by more than 11 percent to 88 GW, which reflected price reductions in wind, solar, and other technologies. Out of 20 nations, China has taken the top spot from the U.S., attracting $65.1 billion -- a 20 percent increase over 2011.

"Although the United States invented many of the leading clean energy technologies, it continues to underperform in investment and deployment relative to the size of its economy and its history in the field," said Phyllis Cuttino , director of Pew's clean energy program. "The United States installed record amounts of wind and solar, even though investment declined by more than one-third."

Our research shows that strong, steady policies are essential for spurring private investment, as well as manufacturing and job-creation opportunities, Cuttino added.

For more:
- see the report

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/us-drops-back-clean-energy-race/2013-04-22