World Bank: Cleantech SME’s in developing world to receive $1.6tr boost

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in bringing cleantech to developing countries could reap some $1.6 trillion (£980bn) over the next 10 years, as investors rush to tackle climate change. According to a new report from the World Bank Group, SMEs will be able to seize a sizable amount of the $6.4 trillion (£3.9tr) expected to be invested in renewable energy, electric vehicles and similar technologies over the next decade. In particular, the World Bank expects that China, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa will be the top three developing markets for clean technology SMEs, with expected market sizes of $415bn (£254bn), $349bn (£214bn), and $235bn (£144bn) respectively.  Much of the focus for efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are focussed on the developed world. Investors are therefore increasingly seeing opportunities to make money and a positive difference in the huge markets of the developing world, as warnings over rising temperatures grow more severe. In 2012, clean technology investment rose by 19% in developing countries, up to $112 billion (£68.7bn), according to blueandgreentomorrow.com