The LIFE Opportunity
Investment in clean energy technology is growing fast, both in Europe and North America. This growth has been driven by a combination of economic and environmental factors. Firstly, uncertainty regarding fossil fuel supply is pushing prices to levels where renewable resources become economically viable. Secondly, global warming is getting worse. Many countries have now ratified the Kyoto protocol to reduce Carbon emissions and the European Union has introduced a CO2 trading scheme. The USA favours supply-side solutions and is looking to support innovation and technical development to address the problem of emissions.
On the demand side, energy consumers are increasingly demanding “clean” alternatives. Governments are beginning to respond with appropriate regulatory frameworks; research institutions are gearing up for a cleaner future; and consumers are now attaching premiums to clean energy sources.
The development and commercialisation of clean energy solutions offers significant challenges and opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. As investment follows ideas, LIFE believes there are substantial returns to be made by supporting innovation in the clean energy sector.
Few organisations have all of the skills and resources required to meet the challenges of this emerging marketplace. Working with regional authorities, investors, technology suppliers and customers, LIFE is ideally placed to deliver technical, market and funding solutions to early-stage companies.