A recent analysis by BloombergNEF (BNEF) has revealed that the global clean energy sector generated a substantial revenue of $2.56 trillion in 2022. This revenue, equivalent to approximately 2.6% of the global GDP, includes earnings from clean energy production, as well as the manufacturing of key clean energy technologies and equipment. The comprehensive study encompasses various clean energy segments, such as solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, power grids, electrified transport, energy storage, hydrogen, geothermal, bioenergy, and carbon capture.
BNEF’s Clean Energy Exposure Ratings, which provide investors with invaluable insight into their stake in the low-carbon transition, were instrumental in these findings. The analysis assesses and rates a total of 8,182 publicly listed companies based on their revenue exposure to clean energy endeavors, drawn from a pool of over 50,000 evaluated entities. Of these, 2,780 companies provide explicit revenue data, granting them a precise exposure percentage. BNEF experts employ both meticulously gathered data, including electric vehicle sales figures and energy generation statistics, and their analytical acumen to evaluate and rank the remaining 5,402 companies. Rankings range from A1, reserved for those with over half their revenues originating from clean energy, to A4, encompassing those with less than 10% clean energy revenue.
Within this landscape, notable electric utility companies such as EDF, Enel, and E.ON stand out, collectively contributing a significant $1.06 trillion (42% of the total) in clean energy revenue for 2022. Additionally, renewable energy manufacturers and developers, including CATL, Vestas, and Trina Solar, played a pivotal role, accounting for $628 billion (25%) of the global clean energy revenue.
Mike Daly, lead author of the report, said, “While automakers like Volkswagen and Toyota are among the biggest earners in the rankings, their exposure remains low and so the auto industry only contributes $370 billion to the total.”
Notably, the analysis also delved into the exposure of top global equity indices to clean energy revenue. The S&P 500, a prominent benchmark, demonstrated a mere 3.4% exposure in terms of portfolio-weighted revenues associated with clean energy. Similarly, the MSCI World Index displayed a 3.0% exposure. Additionally, the study unveiled that widely followed ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) featured minimal clean energy exposure. However, more focused equity ETFs, such as the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (86% exposure, A1), the KBSTAR Global Clean Energy ETF (72%, A1), and the Goldman Sachs Bloomberg Clean Energy ETF (68%, A1), showcased significantly higher levels of clean energy exposure.
 global analysis of clean energy revenue, revealing staggering figures for 2022.){kind=link}