Third black year for green stocks

Muenster – The 2011 stock exchange year was the third in a row to disappoint investors in green shares. The IWR, a renewable energy institute, reported that the RENIXX World (Renewable Energy Industrial Index) was quoted at 168.69 points at year-end, 30.1 percent down on the previous year (241.28). The stock exchange barometer for renewables had already lost 29.3 percent in 2010, and in 2011 collapsed by 54.4 percent.

International stocks of solar companies were among the biggest losers in 2012. No fewer than six solar stocks recorded price losses of more than 50 percent. These were led by LDK Solar from China (-72.8%), followed by REC from Norway (-67.9%), SolarWorld (-67.4%), GT Advanced Technologies from the USA (-60.8%), SMA (-54.9%) and Meyer Burger from Switzerland (-54.1%). Only five RENXX stocks managed to post profits. Apollo Solar (China) topped the list of winners on the RENIXX, gaining 21 percent, ahead of Ormat Technologies (geothermal energy, USA) up 7.1 percent, CropEnergies (Germany, bioethanol) up 5.5 percent, Power-One (USA, solar) up 5.3 percent and Zoltek (USA, wind energy) with a slight gain of 0.3 percent.

The reason for the persistent declines in stock prices can be found in the high competitive and cost pressure to which companies in the renewable energy industry are exposed. “The global expansion of renewable energy continues unabated, but investors have to hold their nerve at the moment” said IWR director Dr. Norbert Allnoch.

New composition of RENIXX as of 01.01.2013
LDK Solar, a manufacturer of PV products, and the Canadian renewable energy company Alterra Power are leaving the index on 1 January 2013, as part of its regular recomposition. Brookfield Renewable (Canada, supplier) and Capital Stage (Germany, supplier), two investors in and operators of renewable projects, will replace them.



Muenster, 28 December 2012


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the International Economic Platform for Renewable Energies (IWR).

Attention editorial offices: For further questions please contact Mr.
Dr. Norbert Allnoch, International Economic Platform for Renewable
Energies (IWR).

Soester Str. 13
48155 Muenster
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)251 / 23 94 6-0
Fax: +49 (0)251 / 23 946-10
Email: info@iwr-institut.de
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