Standard Chartered expands renewable energy coverage

As the science related to global warming and climate change becomes clearer, governments are getting more serious about policy support. China has set renewable energy targets of 10% by 2010 and 15% by 2020, requiring more than $300 billion of investment. India plans to get 10% of its power from renewable sources by 2012. Thailand, the Philippines, even Bangladesh have all introduced specific renewable energy legislation over the past two years.

Meanwhile, the US is taking the lead in the so-called green stimulus effort, with the Obama administration earmarking more than $112 billion for the sector -- to boost jobs, build low-carbon energy infrastructure and support technology development. We talk to Peter Gutman, global head of the renewable energy and environmental finance group at Standard Chartered, about how he is positioning the bank to take advantage of these opportunities.