From Credit Crunch to Cleantech Revival California Is Cool Again

California is Back Thanks to Cleantech Commitment 

After going through one of the worst recessions in it's history California is now seeing its economy flourish on the back of clean technology investment. Data from the 2012 California Green Innovation Index states that not only are investment commitments in renewable energy, clean tech patent filings, and energy productivity in the State reducing the levels of carbon emissions, it's also helping the local economy rise from the dire circumstances of the Credit Crunch.

California is now leading the US in cleantech investment by 24% which represents app. $3.5 billion in capital. The State also represents 25% of the total green patent activity in the country and is also known as the venture capital leaders throughout the world as well.

For those who are still discrediting the future of cleantech it is now time to rethink your position, 13.7% of California's generation portfolio was made up of renewable energy generation. The big three California utilities are profiting from their dedication to renewables and are investing very heavily in the venture, they now account for 17% of total ownership in the marketplace.

The State itself is passing the 1,000 megawatt mark in energy generation via solar technologies, which has lead to the licensing grow substantially with over 1500 new solar firms starting up since 2005. The interest in solar has seen employment grow within the sector 166% in the past seven years.

The situation is best summed up by Doug Henton, CEO of Collaborative Economics when he stated “California, by setting the market rather than chasing it, is now reaping the rewards”.

This is a blueprint for the future, clear evidence that cleantech investment is not only the only future we must choose for our continued existence but also one that is financially viable to boot. We may look back at the collapse of the Californian housing market as the catalyst for the change that had to be made.

Below is Arnold Schwarzenegger as Keynote Speaker at the 2011 APRA - E Technology and Innovation Summit