The number of venture investments in clean technology companies hit a record high in the first quarter, according to new figures, but the value of money poured into the sector remained well below peak levels.

According to a report from the Cleantech Group and Deloitte, the value of global cleantech venture investments reached $1.9bn in the first quarter, a 29% increase on the previous quarter and an 83% improvement on the first three months of last year. However, the amount was still well short of the record $2.6bn (€1.9bn) invested in the third quarter of 2008.