Cleantech investment jumps 80% as energy takes more than 60% of funding

Zero Carbon Academy says global cleantech investment surged 80% in the first half of 2026, with the energy sector drawing more than 60% of total funding. The report points to stronger activity across batteries, AI, automotive, waste and water as investors back the renewable transition and decarbonization tools.

Why it matters: - Global cleantech funding is accelerating fast, with the energy transition driving most of the capital. - The shift signals investor interest in technologies tied to decarbonization, resilience and critical mineral security. - Growth is also spreading beyond energy into batteries, AI, automotive, waste management and water.

What happened: - Zero Carbon Academy released new proprietary research showing global cleantech investment rose 80% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. - Funding reached $277 billion by the end of July, up from $172 billion at the same point in 2025. - More than 60% of total cleantech investment went to the energy sector. - The report is titled Cleantech: Market investment & sector outlook 2026. - Zero Carbon Academy also published the third edition of its Cleantech Top 50. - The company said the list highlights companies expected to have the greatest impact on the sector during 2026 and beyond. - The research covers emerging innovators, fast-growing scale-ups and technology pioneers across eight key sectors.

The details: - ZCA defines investment as funding rounds and money raised through private equity. - 2025 already set a higher baseline after cleantech investment surpassed 2024 levels. - The strongest year-on-year gains outside energy came in battery and storage, automotive, artificial intelligence, and waste management and water. - Research author Lauren Foye said the market is placing growing focus on resilience, circular resource use, critical mineral security and artificial intelligence as enablers of decarbonisation. - Foye said sectors including AI, battery technology and waste management are attracting significantly greater attention from investors. - ZCA published a free sample whitepaper called Cleantech Trailblazers 2026: Mapping the future of sustainable innovation. - The sample includes a snapshot of Energy and Battery & Storage companies featured in the Cleantech Top 50. - Zero Carbon Academy provides information, training and accreditation for organisations seeking to reach net zero. - ZCA also offers analyst reports, industry commentary, educational courses and consultancy services. - Lauren Foye is listed as the contact for further details, at Lauren.foye@ZCA.solutions. - ZCA shared its LinkedIn page here: Zero Carbon Academy on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The data suggests cleantech capital is becoming more concentrated in technologies linked directly to grid buildout, storage and industrial decarbonization. - The broader investor appetite for AI and battery tech points to a market where software and hardware are increasingly viewed as part of the climate stack. - ZCA’s Top 50 rollout signals that the company is positioning itself as both a research source and a market guide for investors and operators.

What's next: - ZCA’s 2026 outlook suggests the sector remains on track to outperform prior years if current funding patterns continue. - Investors are likely to keep focusing on energy, storage and adjacent enabling technologies as the renewable transition expands. - The Cleantech Top 50 and whitepaper are intended to spotlight companies to watch through the rest of 2026 and beyond.