Few industries have an impact on global economic livelihood, societal functioning and quality of life as significantly as the energy industry, and few industries face as many challenges. A number of daunting factors are leading many inside and outside the energy industry to embrace alternative energy as a solution. 

Some skeptics may ask what, if anything, makes this latest enthusiasm for alternative energy more sustainable than previous campaigning. The answer may be that there has never been such a confluence of disheartening and pervasive challenges. A sampling of trends and challenges affecting U.S. alternative energy companies includes:

• Growing interest in alternative energy
• Need for investments in affordable technology
• Competing technologies
• "Not in my back yard" syndrome
• Regulatory uncertainty
• Emissions allowances, renewable energy credits and trading

For the industry to overcome these challenges and remain profitable, technological innovation is the key; innovation that must be coupled with business rigor, strategic ingenuity and exacting execution to realize achievement. The alternative energy industry needs experienced teams backed by advisers who can provide the full range of service capabilities.

Publications and Resources
The Energy & Resources industry group of Deloitte regularly publishes research and analysis that help our clients understand the ever-changing energy industry. Our insightful materials provide a framework for both practical and visionary solutions. Recent pieces include:

• Capabilities 
  • Serving the Growing U.S. Alternative Energy Market 
• Deloitte Debates
  • Thinking Energy Efficiency: Crisis or Catalyst 
  • Tackle Carbon Now – or Wait and See? 
• Articles
  • Accounting for Emission Rights
  • A Five-Point Plan to Power and Empower America
  • Waning Tax Credits: Managing Renewable Energy Projects
• Reports
  • Power from Perspective
• White Papers 
  • Power Play: Resource Nationalism, Global Scramble for Energy and the Need for Mutual Interdependence 
  • Climate Changes Everything – The Dawn of the Green Economy

Events
Deloitte understands that leadership demands active participation across the industry’s diverse community. Deloitte stays involved in the industry and hosts several valuable conferences per year that serve as an open forum for addressing challenges and trends facing the U.S. alternative energy markets. For the latest conference and seminar information, please visit our Energy & Resources Conference and Seminars section. 

Related seminar information:  2008 Deloitte Alternative Energy Seminar 

Related Content
Overview: Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
Overview: Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions 
Industry: Oil & Gas | Power & Utilities 

_{As used in this document, ‘Deloitte’ means Deloitte LLP (and its subsidiaries). Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.}