投資熱錢流入風力發電等再生能源的金額快速攀升，根據聯合國環境規畫署的報告，由2005年800億美元達到2006年的1000億美元。分析師指出，氣候變遷議題、政府的支持以及高油價都是造成投資熱潮的主因。
專家預估，這股潮流在2007年將持續發燒，達到850億美元。報告指出，「再生能源領域的成長」雖然短暫，卻未顯現出減弱的跡象。
報告發現高油價促使投資者投入再生能源市場，不過聯合國環境規劃署執行長史坦納表示，許多投資者並非因為油價而選擇再生能源。
目前再生能源僅佔既有能源使用的2%，在製造電力的投資中大約佔18%，其中風力發電是最早的投資標的。太陽能和生質能科技甚至成長得比風力更快，不過剛開始時佔有率較小。投資者2006年投入710億美元在相關的企業和新領域，比2005年多出43%，更比兩年之前多出158%。
除此之外，大約有300億美元的資金在2006年透過購併、融資收購和資產再集資進入再生能源領域。報告中發現，這種收購的行動，讓再生能源的先鋒者獲利，暗示了有更廣大且更易交流的市場，協助再生能源投資展現其利基。
史坦納說：「現在已經沒有一種產業能夠由已開發國家的企業界獨佔；中國就佔了將近10%的投資，而開發中國家的總和佔了全球的第五位。」
Investment capital flowing into renewable energies such as wind power climbed from $80 billion in 2005 to a record $100 billion in 2006, according to a new report from the UN Environment Programme. The trend analysis cites climate change concerns, increasing government support, and high oil prices as reasons for the boom.
The trend continues in 2007 with experts predicting investments of $85 billion this year. "The renewable energy sector growth "although still volatile ... is showing no sign of abating," the report states.
While the report finds that high oil prices have driven investors into the renewable energy market, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner says many investors are choosing renewables regardless of oil prices.
While renewables today are only two percent of the installed power mix, they now account for about 18 percent of world investment in power generation, with wind generation at the investment forefront. Solar and biofuel energy technologies grew even more quickly than wind, but from a smaller base. Investors put $71 billion into companies and new sector opportunities in 2006, a 43 percent jump from 2005 - and up 158 percent over the last two years.
In addition, about $30 billion entered the sector in 2006 via mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and asset refinancing. This buy-out activity, rewarding the sector pioneers, implies deeper, more liquid markets and is helping the sector shed its niche image, finds the report. The report covers both industrialized countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, and developing countries.
"This is no longer an industry solely dominated by developed country industries," Steiner said. "Close to 10 percent of investments are in China with around a fifth in total in the developing world."
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