Clean tech VC money leaps in 2006

Venture capitalists poured $2.9 billion into clean technologies, including energy, in 2006, representing a 78 percent increase over the year before.

The Cleantech Venture Network on Thursday published investment data for 2006, reflecting a surge in investment in technologies related to energy generation, storage, recycling and waste, and transportation.

Energy-related investment was 74 percent, or $2.1 billion, of the total invested in 2006, almost double the amount put up by venture capitalists in 2005.

Recycling and waste deals totaled $192 million, almost three times the amount in 2005 and transportation was $164 million, up two and a half times 2005.

A recent survey done by the National Venture Capital Associations found that VCs intend to maintain investment levels in hot sectors, including energy and the Internet, in 2007.