Pew Study: Brazil Sixth Among G-20 Members in Clean Energy Investments

Pew finds remarkable growth in the global clean energy economy over the past five years

WASHINGTON, March 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Brazil ranked sixth among G-20 members in 2009 global clean energy investments and finance, according to data released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts.  Last year, Brazil invested USD $7.4 billion in the clean energy sector.

"The clean energy economy represents one of the greatest economic opportunities of the 21st century and Brazil is among the world leaders," said Phyllis Cuttino, who directs the Pew Environment Group's Global Warming Campaign.  "Despite the 2009 financial downturn, Brazil had the second fastest clean energy investment growth rate among G-20 members indicating a commitment to seizing the opportunity clean energy presents."

In Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? Growth, Competition and Opportunity in the World's Largest Economies, Pew examines key financial, investment and technological trends related to G-20 members and the clean energy economy. The report tracks and measures global investment activity – ranging from venture capital, initial public offerings from companies seeking to expand, mergers and acquisitions and lending for large-scale projects – in this sector. Pew found that the global clean energy economy has experienced remarkable growth:  

• Globally, clean energy investments have increased 230 percent since 2005. 
• Despite a worldwide recession, global clean energy investments reached $162 billion in 2009.
• G-20 members accounted for more than 90 percent of worldwide clean energy finance and investment.
• Investment by nearly all G-20 members grew by more than 50 percent over the past five years.
• More than 250 gigawatts of renewable energy generating capacity have been installed around the world, producing six percent of global energy.
• Global clean energy investments are projected to reach $200 billion in 2010.

"Brazil saw a fall in clean energy investment in 2009 compared to the previous year, due to less new sugarcane ethanol capacity being added than in the past," said Camila Ramos, Bloomberg New Energy Finance's lead analyst for Brazil. "However, the country is increasingly committed to the development of renewables and biofuels. It has held successful clean energy auctions recently and plans more soon."

In 2009, Brazil was a clean energy leader. Among G-20 members, Pew found:

• Brazil ranked third in the percentage of total power obtained from clean energy sources.
• Brazil ranked fourth in investment intensity – the percentage of clean energy investment when compared to gross domestic product (GDP).
• Brazil ranked sixth in overall clean energy investment.

"Through its investments and policies, Brazil is positioning itself for future leadership in the growing clean energy marketplace," said Cuttino.

Countries with strong nationwide policy frameworks, including renewable energy standards, carbon markets, priority loans for renewable energy projects and/or mandated clean energy targets, such as China, Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, have the most robust clean energy sectors as a percentage of their economies. Countries without such policy frameworks lag behind. 

Pew published Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? to highlight how G-20 members are participating and where they rank in the clean energy economy. The data have been compiled and reviewed by Pew's research partner, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the world's leading independent provider of news, data, research and analysis to decision-makers in renewable energy, carbon markets, energy smart technologies, and carbon capture and storage. The report's primary focus is on investment as it is the fuel that propels the innovation, commercialization, manufacturing and installation of clean energy technologies.

The report can be found at http://www.pewglobalwarming.org/cleanenergyeconomy/index.html.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.

CONTACT:

Brandon MacGillis, 202.887.8830 | [email protected]

Nicolle Grayson, 202.540.6347 | [email protected]

SOURCE Pew Environment Group