The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. is launching a new clean-energy index in partnership with Clean Edge Inc., a research and publishing firm that helps companies, investors and policymakers understand and profit from clean technologies.

The NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Index will be disseminated starting on May 18. The index is designed to track the performance of clean-energy companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. It includes companies engaged in the manufacturing, development, distribution, and installation of emerging clean-energy technologies such as solar photovoltaics, biofuels and advanced batteries. The five major sub-sectors that the index will cover are Renewable Electricity Generation, Renewable Fuels, Energy Storage & Conversion, Energy Intelligence and Advanced Energy-Related Materials.

The index is calculated using a modified market capitalization methodology. It will be calculated and disseminated on a price return basis and a total return basis.

“This index will bring much needed attention, focus and definition to a sector that is already playing a lead role in addressing the global energy crisis,” said Nasdaq executive vp John Jacobs. “It is fitting for Nasdaq and Clean Edge to offer this important index, as we promote innovation, forward thinking and high technology — traits that characterize the companies in this new index.”

“Clean Edge has been tracking the growth of clean-energy markets and companies for more than five years,” explained Ron Pernick, co-founder and principal of Clean Edge. “We are honored to be partnering with such an esteemed partner as Nasdaq and believe this index represents the further advancement, maturing, and mainstreaming of the clean-energy sector.”