Zayed future energy prize gets record entries

The Zayed Future Energy Prize Review Committee has shortlisted 50 candidates for the 2013 edition of the awards. The awards will include five categories: Large Corporations, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Non Government Organizations( NGOs), Lifetime Achievement, and the newly launched distinction for Global High Schools, said a press release. A total of 579 entries from 88 countries were received this year, marking a 36 per cent increase over last year. The candidates were selected by the review committee based on four criteria: innovation, impact, leadership and long-term vision. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), said: “The renewable energy industry has been growing steadily over the years; but what the world needs today, more than ever, is large scale deployment that demonstrates the commercial viability of clean technology. This is where the Zayed Future Energy Prize can help; by shedding light on where the world stands today and where the gaps lie.” “Expanding the categories of the Zayed Future Energy Prize has supported us in ensuring that we recognise the different key players of the industry individually, while the newly launched prize for Global High Schools will serve to ensure that we continue to encourage and empower future generations to become the innovators we so urgently need,” Dr Al Jaber explained. Dr Sgouris Sgouridis, Assistant Professor at the Masdar Institute Chairperson of the Review Committee, said: “This year has presented us with a very exciting group of submissions, both in terms of quantity and quality. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Acting Director of the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Vice Chairperson of the Review Committee, said, “It is an honour to be part of a Committee that endows a prize with Sheikh Zayed’s name attached to it. In reviewing the applications, I am reminded of what is possible when individuals, companies, and organisations dedicate themselves to a more sustainable future. The Selection Committee will review the shortlisted candidates on September 26 and 27. The shortlist of 50 candidates will be further narrowed down to the top finalists by the Selection Committee, which consists of a group of high-level energy experts. Finally, a jury of world-renowned leaders and personalities will debate and select the winners for each category before the awards ceremony itself is held and the winners announced on January 15, 2013, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. For further details on the shortlisted candidates, please visit www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com From : Gulfnews