Posted on 9/6/2007 9:10:55 AM

The Ann Arbor-based Cleantech Network LLC reported Thursday that North American and European investments in clean technology industries were nearly $1 billion in the second quarter, up 10 percent from $903 million in the first quarter.

For the first half, total investment was $1.9 billion, up 10 percent from $1.73 billion in the first half of 2006.

The consulting firm also said there were 17 clean technology initial public stock offerings in the second quarter, raising nearly $1.7 billion for clean tech companies. That's up a strong 88 percent from nine IPOs in the first quarter.

North American second quarter venture investments totaled $843 million, approximately equal to the second quarter of 2006 and a 15 percent increase over the first quarter total of $731 million.

Second quarter European venture investments of $154 million represented an 11 percent decrease from the first quarter and a 43 percent decrease from the $268 million invested in the second quarter of 2006.

The Cleantech Network tracked a total of 77 deals in the second quarter of 2007.  Energy generation continued to lead other segments with a total of $535 million invested, an 8 percent increase from the $495 million invested in the first quarter and a 3 percent decrease from the $552 million invested in second quarter of 2006. Of the 60 deals done in North America, 25 were in energy generation for a total of $437 million, accounting for 52 percent  of second quarter cleantech investment. In Europe, investors placed more than $98 million in energy generation, slightly more than in the first quarter of 2007. Of the 17 European deals done, nine were in the energy generation segment.

The advanced materials segment almost tripled first quarter investment with $34.5 million this quarter. In North America, the transportation segment more than doubled to $81.9 million. Recycling and waste showed the largest percentage growth, up 669 percent from $13 million invested last quarter to over $100 million in the second quarter. Canadian cleantech investments were down at $12 million, compared to $47 million last quarter.

"As cleantech markets move from market creation to market adoption and acceleration, we are encouraged by the continued robust growth, as well as receptive public markets and continued strength in M&A activity," said Nicholas Parker, chairman and co-founder of the Cleantech Network.

The Cleantech Network will hold its Cleantech Forum XIV in Toronto Oct. 24-26.

The Cleantech Network is a membership group that catalyzes investment, business opportunities and relationships to help drive the growth of cleantech globally. The Cleantech Network popularized the term cleantech in 2002 and defined the category, providing investors, executives, government agencies and media accurate and consistent data dating from 1999. The network has more than 8,000 cleantech investors and 9,500 companies worldwide that take advantage of the global Cleantech Forums, comprehensive market research services and reports, online proprietary deal flow, and an investor directory.