State of the Union: Play the Energy Angle

Several companies are engaged in clean coal technology, albeit in the early stages. For example, Evergreen Energy (EEE Quote) and Headwaters (HW Quote) both have emerging technologies that should assist in the clean coal process.

In addition, other utilities such as Xcel Energy (XEL Quote) and Southern (SO Quote) are exploring opportunities in clean coal generation. If those plants are eventually built, infrastructure companies like Shaw Group (SGR Quote) and equipment suppliers like General Electric (GE Quote) will all benefit.

There weren't many direct investment opportunities from the president's State of the Union address on Tuesday. However, some of his energy-related ideas, combined with new technology and utilities' interest in cleaner coal technology, suggest at least one investment theme that is likely to emerge in the years ahead.

Editor's note: For more on alternative energy, click here for a video interview recorded Tuesday with Edward Kerschner, chief investment officer at Citigroup Investment, who recommends a broad, thematic approach to the issue of climate change and related investments.