Solar Energy Provides Many Opportunities For VC

Venture capital (VC) and private and public investments in alternative energy continue to grow at their highest rates since the OPEC crisis of the 1970s.

Around the world, the persistence of much higher fossil fuel prices, heightened power demands -- particularly in the fast-developing economies of China and India -- national employment trends, security concerns, and growing evidence of sharp climate changes are contributing to what amounts to a clean technology boom.

"The level of investment is accelerating, and I do not see any reason why it will moderate. You can debate around oil pricing and how much that is driving [investment], but there are other factors here at play -- energy security and independence, environmental concerns, focus on sustainability, etc.," Jeff Lipton, managing director of investment banking at Jefferies & Co., told TechNewsWorld...read more