The Zayed Future Energy Prize was created in honour of the legacy of the late Founding Father and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The prize aims to inspire the next generation of global energy innovators to create solutions for the future. The Prize is awarded annually to individuals, companies or organisations that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy, climate change and sustainable global energy resources.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize, announced the top 40 entries to compete for the 2011 Prize. The Prize is the most prestigious and internationally recognised award for innovation, performance and leadership in sustainable and renewable energy projects. Entries from 13 nations have been selected for their contribution to sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
The top 40 entries were selected from a total of 391 submissions through a rigorous selection process. The winner, to be announced on 18th January 2011 at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, will receive $1.5 million USD. In addition, two other finalists will receive up to $350,000 each for outstanding work in the field of renewable and sustainable energy. The total $2.2 million Zayed Future Energy Prize, now in its third year, is inspired by the vision and environmental stewardship of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father and President of the United Arab Emirates.
The Review Committee examined a hundred entries from all over the globe. The top 40 entries include the following regional breakdown: eighteen from the United States, four from the UK, four from India, three from the Netherlands, two from Belgium, two from China and one entry each from Benin, Hong Kong, Brazil, Japan, Denmark, Sweden and Croatia.
Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis, Chairperson of the Review Committee, said: “Selecting the top 40 entries was very challenging yet rewarding, as the number, caliber and impact of the entries were impressive. Although the top 40 are all strong candidates, ultimately the Prize will be awarded to the one who has made the greatest contribution to innovation, long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability.”
Shortlisted entries came from a variety of organisations, NGOs, businesses and individuals who are committed to green energy technologies. The scope of work of the Prize entries include solar installations, solar-wind hybrid systems, wind turbine businesses, biofuel generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicle charging technologies, low energy water treatments, storm resistant and eco homes.
The rigorous and transparent judging and evaluations process is based on three main criteria: long-term vision, innovation and leadership. From the top 40, the Selection Committee will determine the top 6 entries. The Zayed Future Energy Prize expert jury will then determine the winner and two runner-ups by unanimous decision.
The top 40 entries are:
Princess Elisabeth Antarctica First Solar Vestas IDEAAS BYD Company Limited United Nations Development Programme Croatia World Wind Energy Institute (WWEI) D.light The Barefoot College CREDA Sulabh International Social Service Organisation Husk Power Systems (HPS) Renault-Nissan Alliance NGK Tjerk Reijenga Nuru Energy European Climate Foundation ClimateWell Solar Powered Air Conditioning Solarcentury and SolarAid Marine Current Turbines University of Sheffield Rachel Konrad; Elon Musk E+Co Makani Power Solar Electric Light Fund Terry Tamminen Enertia Building Systems Y-Carbon:Tunable Nanoporous Carbon for Electrical Energy Storage Make It Right Foundation
Kinder/BOEING Engineers Without Borders – USA Rocky Mountain Institute Ferrate Treatement Technologies Amyris Biotechnologies American Council on Renewable Energy Lee Lynd Rentricity Stanford University Global Climate and Energy Project Better Place Johnson Controls/Empire State Building
