Final 14 Sustainable energy innovators make shortlist for Zayed Future Energy Prize

Following two days debate, the Selection Committee of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, comprising 11 of the world's foremost energy experts, have chosen the final 14 candidates out of a record 425 entries, who will get a chance to compete for the award in January 2012.

The candidates shortlisted demonstrate a wide geographic coverage in their activities and represent the potential in addressing the global demand for energy efficiency, sustainable and equal access to energy and novel approach to policymaking. The Selection Committee closely scrutinised candidates on areas such as their carbon footprintand the impact of their projects on local communities

The awards are based on three new categories for exceptional candidates in the renewable energy and sustainability field: Large Corporations, Lifetime Achievement, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs). Candidates are judged on The four keystones of the Zayed Future Energy Prize :Innovation, Impact, Leadership and Long-term vision.

Commenting on the selected candidates, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize said: “What the Zayed Future Energy Prize is constantly on the lookout for is the strength of commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. After all, any endeavour to improve our world is only as strong as the human spirit that is behind it, this alone is what is worth celebrating and encouraging.”

He added: “I strongly believe the UAE – a major energy player with a visionary leadership – holds a unique position on the world stage and continues to break new ground in renewable energy, emissions reduction and renewable energy and sustainability policymaking, the fourteen shortlisted candidates for the Prize reflect and serve to underline these efforts.”

The experts on the Selection Committee range from industry experts, renewable energy policymakers, strategic thinkers to academics and sustainability activists and commentators. Given the new award categories this year, they debated extensively on the ability of candidates to lead by example and with the greatest impact on society and environment.

Razan Al Mubarak, Chair of the Selection Committee commented: “As a returning member of the Selection Committee for the Zayed Future Energy Prize, I have the distinct honour of witnessing how the candidates have grown both in number and quality since 2009. We have had quite a few returning candidates who perhaps did not make it to the final stage, this to me demonstrates, the growing significance and influence the Prize has garnered over such a short period. I also think there is much potential for greater participation from women not only for the Prize but in science and technology more generally, I look forward to this being reflected in the future.”

Another returning member of the Selection Committee, Jonathon Porritt added: “The new Award categories have certainly helped in decision-making and in the scoring of each candidate.  One thing that continues to improve is the quality of the candidates, which always make for great and passionate debate between members of the Selection Committee! More excitingly, the whole process provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of this extraordinarily dynamic industry.”

This is the penultimate stage of a four-stage process in candidate selection for the Zayed Future Energy Prize. Of the total 425 entries received from 71 countries this year, 62 were selected in the first stage by a reputed international research & analysis firm and then reduced down to 33 by the Prize’s Review Committee in October. In the final stage, world-renowned personalities will meet in Abu Dhabi next month to select the finalists and runners up in each of the award categories for the Prize.