‘Cleantech’ embraces a cluster of leading-edge technologies that are addressing many of the world’s key concerns by making better use of resources and finding cleaner, greener ways to build prosperity.  Driven by the challenges of global warming, pollution and urbanisation, cleantech innovation is uniting companies, communities and governments in the quest to find ecologically-friendly ways to transform 21st century living.

As an active and committed participant in the promotion of sustainable technologies, 3i sees opportunities to form partnerships with vibrant, forward-thinking businesses in four cleantech areas:

• Energy: As people recognise the harmful impact of traditional fuels, the focus is on increasing the efficiency of power generation and consumption, and finding economically-viable alternatives.  3i is interested in all alternative fuel sources, with a particular focus on solar energy and innovative approaches to energy storage.
• Air and Water:  Alongside economic progress can come increasing threats to the quality of the air we breathe.  The purification and filtration of air is essential to safeguard the integrity of sensitive equipment and to protect people’s wellbeing. With drinkable water becoming an increasingly-precious commodity, purification and desalination technologies present many exciting opportunities, alongside the rapid growth in irrigation and distribution. 
• Waste management:  Even when waste has been minimised, opportunities remain to reuse what we can and to dispose of the remainder as effectively as possible.  As the focus on recycling increases, there will be strong demand for the technologies that enable us to do it better, and the monitoring devices that indicate our success.
• Supporting Technologies: These technologies assist the energy, air and water as well as waste management industries.  Technologies in this category include sensing and remote monitoring, process innovations and new materials. 

With the global cleantech market estimated to grow from USD23bn in 2000 to USD187bn in 2012, the revenue potential for these products is undoubted – but this is also an arena that is more susceptible than most to hype.  3i adds value through our rich experience in these areas, enabling us to support companies as they evaluate the commercial possibilities for their products and identify the best routes to market.  Our teams in Europe and the US work closely with the innovators at the forefront of these technologies, while our offices in Asia open up the vast new markets where many cleantech applications will receive their warmest welcome.

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