Clean energy investments could end 2022 at new heights, paving the way for a lofty 2023 • TechCrunch

In case someone demand, 2022 was all about energy – natural gas, oil, renewables, all of it. Natural gas prices jumped as Vladimir Putin’s rash decision to invade Ukraine cut gas supplies to Europe. This, coupled with high oil prices, contributed significantly to near-record inflation that forced central bankers to raise interest rates.

This inflation contributed to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which contains several provisions aimed at stimulating renewable energy, preparing the network for its arrival and encouraging the development of other alternative energy sources. .

Taken together, these developments — along with what investors have told me is a desire for safe returns — have sent dollars flowing into clean energy. Venture capital activity in the sector through the third quarter is on track to hit 2021 records, according to a new report from PitchBook.