Orrick and Clean Energy Pipeline have launched a series of reports dedicated to exploring investment opportunities and challenges in the global renewable energy sector. In the first issue, we analyzed the investment opportunities arising from the U.S. Department of Defense’s major renewable energy procurement initiatives. In the second issue, we explored the evolving dynamics of the UK solar market as the industry moves towards the end of the Renewables Obligation subsidy regime. In the third issue, we focused on the challenges and opportunities in the U.S. energy storage market, with a specific focus on California’s energy storage procurement program.

In this issue we reflect on the major trends in U.S. renewable energy financing and M&A in 2014 and anticipate how the market will evolve in the rest of 2015. We also analyze major regulatory developments in 2014 and look ahead to the important policy decisions on the agenda this year.