Sector: Renewables

In an appointment shining the spotlight back on the clean energy space, former prime minister Tony Blair is to join US venture capital firm Khosla Ventures as an adviser.

Set up by Indian-origin billionaire Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of technology giant Sun Microsystems, Khosla Ventures specialises in environmentally friendly technologies, among them solar, wind and nuclear energy projects. In addition, the California-based company backs start-ups in sectors including the internet arena and mobile phones.

Blair, according to Khosla, which raised $1.3 billion (£900 million) from private investors last year, will provide strategic advice regarding investments in environmentally friendly or helpful technologies. His high-profile appointment was announced at a recent summit for Khosla’s investors near San Francisco.

‘Understanding local and global politics is now important for us techie nerds,’ said Mr Khosla, ‘and this is where our relationship with Tony Blair can really help us.’ Meanwhile, in an official press missive, Blair, who resigned as Britain’s PM in 2007, explained, ‘Solving the climate crisis is more than just a political agenda item. It is an urgent priority that requires innovation, creativity and ambition.’

Blair went on to state, ‘I share a clear vision with Vinod, one of the earliest leaders in cleantech investment, that entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and beyond will have a tremendous impact on our environmental future’.