March 15, 2006—For the first time in modern history, clean-energy technologies are becoming cost-competitive with their “dirtier” counterparts, says a new report from Clean Edge.
According to the report, while oil and natural gas prices remain stubbornly high and frustratingly volatile across the globe, and as nuclear and coal-based energy remain dogged by environmental and safety concerns, clean-energy prices continue their near-relentless downward march.
The growth of clean-energy markets reflects its growing acceptance. Global wind and solar markets reached $11.8 billion and $11.2 billion in 2005—up 47% and 55%, respectively, from a year earlier. The market for biofuels hit $15.7 billion globally in 2005, up more than 15% from the previous year.
Clean Edge is a research and publishing firm intended to help companies, investors, and governments understand and profit from emerging clean-energy markets. The report, Clean-Energy Trends 2006, can be downloaded from the Clean Edge Web site.
