Cleantech

With $4.3 billion going into 323 deals in 2011, US venture capital investment in the cleantech industry reached the highest level ever recorded. This was a 12 percent increase in both dollars and deal volume compared to 2010, when $3.8 billion went into 289 deals. For full year 2011, three of the top ten deals were in the cleantech industry, and four of the top ten deals in the fourth quarter of 2011 fell into the cleantech category.*

PwC has a dedicated Cleantech practice that provides services and advice in assurance, tax, transactions, market entry, and business performance improvement to companies across the cleantech sector and the breadth of industries it impacts. The industry is developing innovative technologies that are challenging the traditional automotive, energy, and utility markets to reinvent themselves.

Our broad network of industry sector specialists combines a detailed knowledge of government policy and regulation with strong private enterprise experience, providing us with an in-depth understanding of key industry issues around strategy, operations, regulations, risk, technology, and finance. As the service provider of choice for emerging and established cleantech companies as well as organizations and utilities, we can help you to develop, commercialize, deploy, and maintain go-to-market strategies for your products and services across the cleantech ecosystem.

* According to the MoneyTree™ Report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the National Venture Capital Association, based on data provided by Thomson Reuters.

How PwC can help

As advisors to cleantech companies, we can assist by:

• Defining business strategies and innovative business models to drive top-line growth and lasting competitive advantage
• Boosting enterprise profitability through operational transformation across product and service operations, supply chain, and customer management
• Developing investment strategies, providing due diligence for complex transactions, and maximizing returns from acquisitions
• Effectively preparing companies for an initial public offering or alternative liquidity event
• Managing accounting, financial reporting, and operational challenges for emerging and established companies
• Offering counsel on a broad range of project financing options
• Providing insights on upcoming energy and tax policy proposals
• Navigating the ever-changing tax landscape as well as working through challenging tax planning and structuring issues
• Linking innovation within the cleantech sector to the corporate goals of being a sustainable business

Thought leadership

	Renewables deals: 2012 outlook and 2011 review The renewable energy sector is undergoing a growing maturity and consolidation phase which could imply that deal flow will remain significant in 2012. There remains a ‘rolling uncertainty’ about the Eurozone and wider world sentiment.
	MoneyTree™ Q4 2011 US Cleantech venture funding summary The Clean Technology sector saw funding of $1.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the MoneyTree™ Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association, based on data from Thomson Reuters.
	Technology is not enough: In cleantech due diligence, operations are a crucial (and often overlooked) element Cleantech companies have become a favored target for strategic buyers, private equity players, and venture capital firms, as the recent flurry of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment activity demonstrates. All too often, however, suitors conducting due diligence focus on the company’s technology and market strategies, while overlooking its operational capabilities.
	Smart Grid investment grants: Navigating the challenges Power and utility companies have faced significant challenges in navigating the extensive compliance requirements associated with DOE’s Smart Grid grants. By revisiting Year One challenges, companies can be better prepared to address the next round of grant audits and pursue future grant activities.
	Minerals and metals scarcity in manufacturing: The ticking time bomb This document explores the impact that minerals and metals scarcity is likely to have on seven manufacturing industries. PwC interviewed senior executives in many of the leading organizations to gauge the relevance and effects of this scarcity.
	Successful capital projects: The integrated risk framework This publication covers how rigorous governance and risk management practices guide effective decision making on complex capital investment programs.
	On the brink of a bright future? This results of this study provide insights into the UK solar PV market. Our research identifies the most significant business opportunities, the industry drivers, and the role of various stakeholders.
	Appetite for change Climate change is testing the ability of the world's leaders to develop effective environment policies, and many — in and out of governments — are frustrated with the pace of negotiations. This survey examines attitudes in the international business community towards environmental regulation, legislation and taxes.
	Getting real about cyber threats: where are you headed? As energy, utilities and power companies increase their use of technologies like smart grid, advanced metering infrastructure, and modern control systems, cyber attacks and malware threats increase. Companies that understand cyber threats will be in the best position to defeat them.
	Shale gas: A renaissance in US manufacturing? During the last couple of years, increased commercialization of alternative energy has ushered in mounting debate on the impact— or lack of impact—that the deployment of new energy sources has on US job creation. Shale gas is one such alternative energy source that has drawn momentous investment and discussion as the country pursues a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.
	Charging forward: Electric vehicle survey The first edition of Charging forward: Electric vehicle survey provides a check-up on some of the major determining factors contributing to the success of EVs in the near-, mid-, and long-term. More than 200 participants from the automotive, utilities, energy, technology, government, finance, education and other sectors completed the survey.
	Making hay while the sun shines: Tapping new solar growth opportunities in the United States Favorable module pricing and clarified regulations will drive growth in the US solar market that could invite global competition. Solar companies should consider: US based operations centers, strong pipeline and capital management, market knowledge at the state level, and customized offerings for specific market segments.
	China Greentech Report 2011 This report provides comprehensive analysis and insight into the greentech sector in China. It examines existing and emerging opportunities in six key sectors: cleaner conventional energy, renewable energy, electric power infrastructure, green building, cleaner transportation, and clean water.
	The US - China cleantech connection: Shaping a new commercial diplomacy This paper discusses how the US and China are initiating ambitious cleantech build-outs and the ways in which these two countries are working together to leverage significant growth opportunities within and beyond the US and China markets.
	Achieving Your Solar Potential This booklet shows how PwC plays a key role in helping governments, business, and society make the transition to renewable solar energy options. Building on our experience of working with the global energy sector for over 100 years, it outlines the services we bring to bear and the type of work we’ve recently completed in the sector.