$257 Billion Invested in Renewable Energy in 2011

$257 Billion Invested in Renewable Energy in 2011

The AP (6/12) reports, "Global investment in renewable energy reached a record of $257 billion last year, with solar attracting more than half the total spending, according to a UN report released Monday. Investment in solar energy surged to $147 billion in 2011, a year-on-year increase of 52 percent thanks to strong demand for rooftop photovoltaic installations in Germany, Italy, China and Britain." China alone was responsible for 20% that amount, with investments of $52 billion. The US was a close second, "with investments of $51 billion, as developers sought to benefit from government incentive programs before they expired."