Venture capital (VC) investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, biodiesel, and ethanol (among others) hit $3.4 billion… up a whopping 50 percent over investments in green energy ventures in 2006.

This story from RenewableEnergyAccess.com has more information:

Investment in solar was more than $1.05 billion in more than 70 financing rounds. Investment in battery technology came to $433.9 Million and the energy efficiency/smart grid sector received $419.1 million in investments.

According to Greentech (Media), venture firms also continue to invest in biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, with more than $750 Million directed towards these new feedstocks and technologies. Notable alternative energy VC funding rounds in 2007 included HelioVolt’s $101M for thin film photovoltaics, Great Point’s $100M for coal gasification, Amyris’ $70M for synthetic biology and biofuels, and A123’s $70M for innovative battery technology.

The story goes on to say the entire renewable energy spectrum saw more than 220 funding rounds.