Venture-backed Choose Energy eyes huge growth for its service in deregulated energy markets, acquires Power2Switch.

Worldwide sales of EV supply equipment will grow from about 442,000 units in 2013 to 4.3 million globally in 2022, with revenue reaching $5.8 billion, fueled by government programs and product innovation, says Navigant. Most demand is for home chargers, but the commercial charger market is growing with increased private investment.

Global PV installations are forecast to rise 18% in 2014, reaching 41 GW and generating installation revenue of more than $86 billion, says IHS. The growth is driven by low prices, new demand in emerging markets and continued growth in U.S., Japan and China, with markets in Europe continuing to slip.

As more data is generated from smart meters, utilities feel that increased data analytics capabilities will be key to improving reliability, efficiency and better customer engagement, according to IDC’s study of North American utilities.

After closing a $1.5 million Series A-round this week, the company will seek $4 million in a Series-B funding in Q1 2014 to expand its wireless building efficiency and data service....

Remote microgrids are highly lucrative and attracting an influx of firms looking to deploy them as cleaner technologies are reducing their reliance on diesel fuel. The largest number of remote microgrids are being deployed in the developing world, although activity is also increasing in Europe and North America.

Cleantech relevant stories in the news this week.

In a set of Wall Street Journal editorials, two experts tackle the question.

The grant is part of ARPA-E's $34 million REMOTE program, whose focus is on biocatalyst technologies that convert natural gas to transportation fuels.

The new venture capital fund will focus on early stage cleantech opportunities in South East Asia.