Smart grid spending: Global ranking guarantees some surprises

.

Care to find out which countries made the top 10 in smart grid investing this year? OK, you know China's in first place in the renewable energy spending derby with the U.S. in second. But the top 10 designated smart grid investment ranking just released by GE and prepared by Zpryme Research & Consulting is guaranteed to throw a few curve balls at you. Again, it's China in first and the U.S. in second (but not by much: $7.32 billion compared to $7.09 billion). Japan is in far distant third place with $849 million. So who's in fourth? Considering all the news coverage the UK has been getting lately, particularly the aggressive renewables programs planned in Ireland and Scotland, you might consider betting on the Emerald Isle in fourth place — and you'd be wrong. That's South Korea's spot with $824 million followed by Spain, Germany and Australia. The UK takes eighth place followed by France and Brazil.

Quick Take: Risky bets aside, this ranking certainly offers a few eye openers.

.