Cleantech

Cleantech investment in Q1 2013

In the first quarter of 2013, Cleantech funding hit its lowest point in four years. Funding for the quarter totalled $369 million, accounting for 6 percent of total venture capital dollars invested in that period. This represents a 61 percent decrease in funding compared to the first quarter of 2012, and a 35 percent decrease since the fourth quarter of 2012. In terms of volume, 61 deals were funded in the Cleantech sector in the first quarter of 2013: early-stage deals reached $140 million in 23 deals, while late-stage deals reached $229 million in 38 deals. Average deal size, at $6 million, was 48 percent lower than in the same period of 2012. And at $231 million, Silicon Valley was the recipient of 61 percent of the total dollars invested in Cleantech in the first quarter of 2013.

About PwC's Cleantech practice

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. 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.

The cleantech industry is developing innovative technologies that are challenging the traditional automotive, energy, and utility markets to reinvent themselves. 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.

Cleantech publications and white papers

Cleantech MoneyTree™ Report: Q1 2013

Cleantech received $369 million in the first quarter of 2013, a 61 percent decline in dollars and a 25% decline in volume compared to Q1 2012.

Charging forward: PwC's 2012 electric vehicle study

This PwC automotive survey reviews success factors for the adoption of electric vehicles in the future and considers issues such as global emissions, OEMs, suppliers, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, pricing, geography, and outlook.

Power & Renewables Deals: 2013 outlook and 2012 review

The 2013 Power & Renewables Deals outlook is the latest in our annual series in which we look at mergers and acquisitions activity in the power, utilities and renewables sector. This year for the first time we bring together our previously separate power and renewables deals analysis into one report, reflecting the increasing mainstream role that renewables play in the generation mix.

Shale gas: Reshaping the US chemicals industry

Advances in horizontal drilling and fractionation of shale gas basins in North America are altering the chemicals industry value chain.

PV sustainable growth index

PwC's annual PV Sustainable Growth Index (PVSGI) is a ranking of the financial performance and operational efficiency of the largest publicly traded solar companies. The Index emphasizes revenue growth, working capital, EBIT % and debt-to-equity, among other measures.

Cleantech Perspectives

PwC's quarterly thoughts and insights gleaned from our groundbreaking project work and research in the cleantech sector

Achieving your solar potential: PwC services and citations

PwC plays a key role in helping governments, business, and society make the transition to solar energy. Building on our experience of working with the global energy sector for over 100 years, this booklet outlines the services we bring to bear and the support we provide for solar power generation and transmission projects.

Converging worlds: Five management principles from companies modernizing our vehicles, buildings and electric grids

Major companies discuss with PwC their roles in energy efficiency, information, building and transportation systems

China Greentech Report 2012

The China Greentech report 2012

The China Greentech Report 2012, released by the China Greentech Initiative (CGTI), is an update of developments in the greentech sector in China and analyzes key factors that characterize challenges and opportunities in China's greentech markets.

Transforming IT with better business processes: How demand-driven IT can prepare power companies for grid modernization

Power grid modernization requires updates to power companies' technology, people, and processes at a time when power company CIOs are being asked to contain IT spending. Adoption of demand based IT will enable power companies to achieve operational and cost efficiencies.

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. Often, suitors focus on the technology and market strategies while overlooking operational capabilities.

Smart Grid investment grants: Navigating the challenges

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

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 that are central to the future growth of these industries to gauge the relevance and effects of this scarcity.

Successful capital projects: The integrated risk framework

This report addresses how rigorous governance and risk management practices guide effective decision making on complex capital investment programs.

On the brink of a bright future?

Over a period of 3 months, PwC interviewed 25 companies across the UK solar value chain, conducted research into the UK and European solar markets and formed a view on the future potential of the sector for the UK. The industry will professionalise, consolidate and new entrants will drive the sector forward.

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.

The US - China cleantech connection: Shaping a new commercial diplomacy

Our research shows that U.S. companies are finding cleantech opportunities in China through alliances--as well as capital and cleantech technology transfer investments.Over the next decade, this could lead to significant growth opportunities within and beyond the U.S. and China markets as cleantech matures into one of the largest global industries.

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