March 12, 2008 - Global markets for biofuels, wind power, solar photovoltaics, and fuel cells jumped 40% last year to a total of $77.3 billion. If the current growth rates continue, these four key sectors are expected to more than triple over the next ten years to a total of $254.5 billion by 2017, according to a new report from research firm Clean Edge.

Biofuels, wind, and solar were the biggest winners, with revenues topping $20 billion each for the first time last year.

One key factor that will continue to boost clean-energy markets in the coming year is the growing interest in green building. Increasingly, residential homes and commercial facilities are being designed and built according to sustainability principles, according to the report.

"Amid last year's plummeting housing prices, rising foreclosure rates, and record high oil prices, clean energy continued to provide a bright spot in an otherwise sluggish economy," says Clean Edge co-founder and principal Ron Pernick.

Venture capital investment in clean technologies spiked 43% last year, according Dow Jones VentureSource.

To download "Clean Energy Trends 2008," click here.