Clean energy, not including hydro-power, makes up 8.5% of global generating capacity, compared to 7.8% in 2012. In 2013, around 44% of all new installed power was from clean sources.
Overseas, countries are also increasing spending on alternative energy sources. China has spent $56 billion in renewable energy investments, and Europe invested $48 billion.
Investors can gain exposure to the global growth in clean energy through the Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (NYSEArca: GEX) and PowerShares Global Clean Energy Portfolio (NYSEArca: PBD). Along with a heavy allocation toward the U.S., GEX includes China 10.1%, Denmark 8.0%, Italy 4.7%, Japan 3.6% and Spain 2.6%. PBD also includes China 14.8%, Germany 6.3%, Taiwan 5.2%, Denmark 4.2% and Spain 4.0%. GEX is up 9.4% and PBD is up 11.7% year-to-date.
For more information on clean energy companies, visit our clean energy category.