The number of private equity funds starting to invest in the clean technology sector is expected to reach a record high this year, as firms seek to capitalise on growing investor and consumer awareness of climate change issues.

This year the number of vehicles starting to put capital to work is likely to surpass the record set in 2008, when 117 funds with a total of $35.8bn (€25.3bn) were actively investing, according to data provider Preqin.