Renewable energy funds are experiencing a significant outflow of capital in 2024, raising concerns about the future of the green energy transition. This shift in investor sentiment comes amid worries about the sector’s growth prospects and policy uncertainty, particularly in the United States.
A Decade of Green Momentum Stalls
For several years, renewable energy funds enjoyed steady inflows as consumers embraced sustainable practices and supportive policies emerged in the US and Europe. However, recent trends paint a different picture.
Data from LSEG Lipper reveals a stark decline in investor confidence. Funds focused on renewable energy stocks witnessed a record-breaking outflow of $4.8 billion in the first quarter of 2024.
Several prominent funds, including Handelsbanken Hallbar Energi, iShares Global Clean Energy ETF, and Ninety One Global Environment Fund, have seen substantial withdrawals.
The S&P Global Clean Energy Index, a benchmark for major solar and wind companies, has fallen nearly 10% this year. Conversely, the S&P 500 Energy Index, heavily weighted towards oil and gas companies, has surged by over 16%.
Impact on Climate Goals
This investor retreat threatens to derail progress toward achieving global climate goals. The current pace of renewable energy expansion falls far short of the targets set at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai last year.
Leading wind power companies like Siemens Energy, Orsted, and Vestas are forecasting a difficult year. Regulatory delays, supply chain issues, and rising costs are squeezing profit margins within the industry.
In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 offered a significant boost to solar, wind, and energy storage projects. However, concerns are mounting that a potential victory by Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election could lead to a rollback of these clean energy initiatives and a renewed focus on fossil fuels.
Investor Outlook: A Cautious Wait-and-See Approach
“With traditional energy experiencing a strong upswing, alternative energy funds are likely to face challenges shortly,” commented Matt Willer, managing director at Phoenix Capital Group Holdings. “The upcoming election will undoubtedly play a role in investor sentiment.”
Source: Reuters
