Beyond fossil fuels - a new energy order?

Alternative energy sources have been pushed to the top of the environmental and political agenda. Investors must sit up and take notice of the global move away from fossil fuels

Heightened concern over climate change has catapulted so-called 'alternative energy' sources to the top of the environmental and political agenda. The Stern Report, published in October 2006, examined the potential impact of climate change on the global economy. It concluded that by failing to act now, global GDP could be more than 20% lower. Pressure has increased for governments and supranational organisations to support regulation to help advance the cause of alternative energies such as solar, wind, biofuels, hydro-electric and hydrogen fuel cells. But how likely are these energy source...