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Where's the next boom? Maybe in `cleantech'
Energy breakthroughs could be the next big thing, but how many jobs can they generate?

* By Jordan Robertson, AP Technology Writer
* On Tuesday October 6, 2009, 4:40 pm EDT

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Our economy sure could use the Next Big Thing. Something on the scale of railroads, automobiles or the Internet -- the kind of breakthrough that emerges every so often and builds industries, generates jobs and mints fortunes.
AP - In this photo made Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, a 20-story tower housing a reactor which converts coal into ...

AP - In this photo made Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, a 20-story tower housing a reactor which converts coal into ...

Silicon Valley investors are pointing to something called cleantech -- alternative energy, more efficient power distribution and new ways to store electricity, all with minimal impact to the environment -- as a candidate for the next boom.

And while no two booms are exactly alike, some hallmarks are already showing up.

Despite last fall's financial meltdown, public and private investments are pouring in, fueling startups and reinvigorating established companies. The political and social climates are favorable. If it takes off, cleantech could seep into every part of the economy and our lives.