* HFR Alternative Energy index up more than 47 percent in 2009

* Only 18 pct of hedge funds apply macro strategy, including commods

* Macro hedge funds estimated to hold assets over $289 billion at end 2009

NEW YORK, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Hedge funds specializing in alternative energies
outperformed the rest of those in the commodities space through 2009, data from
Chicago's Hedge Fund Research showed on Wednesday.