"For decades the UK has been recognised as a leading financial centre," said Claire Perry from the Square Mile this week. "And today we’re primed to enhance our already world-leading green finance sector, making sure the bulk of this investment flows through the city of London."

Britain's clean growth minister 's warm words were accompanies by cold cash. The UK government announced plans to launch a new £40m venture capital fund to support UK clean technology companies in a boost for the sector ahead of a new Green Finance strategy expected next year.

A day later, Microsoft founder Bill Gates traveled to Brussels to launch a €100m (£87.7m) fund to invest in clean technology in what the billionaire hailed as a “very exciting partnership”.

It’s official. Once considered a niche and potentially risky investment, clean energy technology has gone mainstream. It is now a huge opportunity for businesses which marries Britain's burgeoning tech start-up scene with a well established energy industry. Robust UK government support offers an additional reason for optimism.

The declining costs of clean energy, cheaper data processing and consumer demand is driving investor interest in clean energy assets, says Patrick Sheehan, managing partner at energy venture capital ETF partners. The momentum behind Britain's push to build a leaner, cleaner economy is likely to accelerate its lead in the race to corner the market.