Zayed Future Energy Prize shortlists submissions for 2014 Awards

Abu Dhabi: The Zayed Future Energy Prize, the world's foremost award for innovation in renewable energy and sustainability, has shortlisted over 40 submissions from among 552 entries for the 2014 edition of the prize. Members of the Prize's Review Committee, comprising technical and academic experts, met on 29th and 30th September to deliberate upon the most innovative solutions and technologies in renewable energy and sustainability that have been submitted. Shortlisted candidates have been selected in the five categories of Large Corporation, Small Medium Enterprise, Non-Governmental Organisation, Lifetime Achievement, and Global High Schools. The two-day meeting followed an initial assessment by the international research and analysis firm, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, that scored candidates on the basis of the prize's four criteria: innovation, impact, leadership and long-term vision. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director-General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said, "As energy demand has nearly doubled over the past 25 years, the world has increasingly looked towards the renewable energy industry to provide the solutions and technologies it needs to harness clean energy and optimise energy efficiency. "Improvements in energy efficiency have saved the world almost two times the total global primary energy use in 2007 alone. Identifying the solutions that define this emerging and critical industry is a challenging task. Our committees and jury oversees hundreds of applications from across the world to select the most impactful and innovative companies, individuals and schools that deserve to be rewarded for their outstanding work," continued Dr. Al Jaber. "By funding and catalysing the most viable renewable energy technologies and sustainability solutions, the prize honours the legacy of our founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to create a more secure future for all," added Dr. Al Jaber. Dr. Saif Sultan Al-Nasseri, Business Support Director, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Chairman of the Review Committee, said, "It is an honour to be part of an initiative that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time. Renewable energy industries are providing us with real-life solutions to increase energy adoption and efficiency - each of the submissions we have reviewed undertake inspirational and intelligent work. By funding these innovative technologies and solutions, the Zayed Future Energy Prize is paving the way for a more secure energy future." The shortlisted entries will next be evaluated at the meeting of the Selection Committee on 27th and 28th October. Finalists shortlisted in this round will then be presented to the prize jury panel, comprising world leaders and energy experts, on 17th November for the ultimate selection of winners in each category. Winners of the sixth edition will be announced at the Zayed Future Energy Prize awards ceremony scheduled for 20th January, 2014 as part of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. – Emirates News Agency, WAM