Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2013 - Key Findings

This document presents key findings on global renewable energy investment in 2012, reporting USD 244 billion for renewable power and fuels (including small hydro), a 12% decline from 2011 yet the second-highest total, with investment shifting from developed (USD 132 billion, −29%) to developing economies (USD 112 billion, +19%), led by China at USD 67 billion. It links the downturn to policy uncertainty in Europe and the United States, while noting sharp solar PV cost reductions that pushed installations to a record 30.5 GW and wind additions to 48.4 GW; small hydro rose to USD 7.8 billion, and fossil-power investment reached about USD 262 billion. This document draws on Bloomberg New Energy Finance data, excludes large hydro above 50 MW and most energy-smart technologies, and revises prior figures as datasets improved.