2007 was a banner year for cleantech funding. But now that the economy is taking a beating, it's only right to worry that 2008 will mean lean times for start-ups.

What Will a Recession Mean for Cleantech? - Private Equity Hub

There are those who argue that, in a recession driven in part by high energy costs, alternative energy generation and energy/ water/ materials efficiency plays can look even more attractive. This argument suggests that cleantech markets can be somewhat counter-cyclical, and that government stimulus plans could provide a short-term boost to startups. Furthermore, the argument goes, the stark challenges facing incumbent energy and resource markets could prompt venture and project finance investors to turn even more to cleantech as they run away from other tech sectors more affected by a downturn.

Cleantech IPOs take a swim in U.S. waters - Cleantech.com

Two cleantech companies took the plunge onto the New York Stock Exchange today, amid a tumultuous market and shaky support for green technology in the U.S.

Altairnano Onboard With Navy - Earth2Tech

Reno, Nev.-based Altairnano’s (ALTI) ceramic lithium-ion batteries, dubbed “Nanosafe,” are different from other nanotechnology-based lithium batteries, like A123’s, in that Altairnano has replaced the traditional materials with nano-structured ones that can offer 100 times more surface area and don’t lose their ability to charge.

Being Al Gore - Inc.com

In some circles, being named a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is more highly prized than, say, an Oscar, an Emmy, or a Nobel Peace Prize. Well, Al Gore doesn't have to choose, now that he has joined the storied Sand Hill Road venture capital firm as a partner investing specifically in green companies. We asked a group of entrepreneurs running green companies where Gore should look for deals.

Growing Up Green - Forbes