"The commercialisation of renewable energy is gradually feeding into the overall energy industry's planning process. It has been noticeable that energy companies are not only more optimistic of the renewable sectors but that medium and long term cross-sector planning is developing," one of study's authors said.

"The industry is moving away from a project-by-project basis and into output planning within an integrated strategy. Financiers and investors who are looking for a balance of projects and cross-sector risk management are also seeking to include renewables within their investment portfolios."