A recent report by the U.N. Environment Programme found that renewable energy investments fell globally by 14 percent last year to $214.4 billion, excluding hydroelectricity ― a fall of $35.1 billion.
Some of the reasons cited for the drop in investment are a lack of clear political support for renewable energy in some markets and the cheaper cost of solar energy systems. Solar energy technology continued to receive the most investment among renewables.
While Europe had formerly led the way in renewable energy development, its investment nearly halved in 2013, dropping 44 percent to $48 billion. China’s investment also fell, but only by 6 percent to $56 billion. Meanwhile, U.S. investment slipped by 10 percent to $36 billion.
UNEP chief Achim Steiner brushed aside the gloomy prospects, saying in a statement that “the drop masks the many positive signals of a dynamic market that is fast evolving and maturing.”