Zayed Future Energy Prize is open for submissions

A US$4 million international prize for renewable energy and sustainability is now open to companies, non-profit organisations, high schools and individuals. The Zayed Future Energy Prize, which promotes innovation in cutting-edge technology in the field of clean energy and sustainability, is an annual prize that is part of the UAE’s vision and long-standing commitment to finding solutions that will meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment.

The prize rewards innovators in renewable energy and sustainability across five categories:

• Small and Medium Enterprise (SME): Prize of US$1.5 million. Open to profit-seeking enterprises with revenue less than $100m per annum.
• Non-Profit Organisations: Prize of US$1.5 million. Open to any non-profit organisation, industry association, research organisation, or international body having a direct impact on the renewable energy and sustainability industries.
• Large Corporations: Recognition Award. Open to corporations with revenues exceeding $100m per annum.
• Global High Schools: Total Prize of US$500,000 with one regional award of US$100,00 given to a high-school in each of the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Open to all high schools with students between 11- 19 years old.
• Lifetime Achievement: Prize of US$500,000. Open to an individual with an outstanding record of achievement in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors.

Each category is evaluated based on four criteria – impact, innovation, leadership and long-term vision. All the winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize have been chosen because of the unique contributions that they have made to attaining a sustainable future. These innovative pioneers have made a lasting impression on the lives of millions of people. This year’s winners continue to break new ground in sustainability and represent what can be achieved when human ingenuity and determination are applied to solving the world’s most pressing problems.

After eight years, the scale of impact from the Zayed Future Energy Prize is truly astounding. Through their sustainable actions, the prize winners have collectively displaced more than 887 million tonnes of carbon emissions, generated 360 million MWh of electricity from renewable sources, helped 100 million people use energy more efficiently in their daily lives and improved the conditions under which 14 million school-aged children study through solar lanterns alone.

To facilitate entries from Australia, New Zealand and the whole Ocenia region, Business Outlook and Evaluation has been appointed outreach partner for the Zayed Future Energy Prize. Submissions are accepted online and will close on 27 June 2016. The prize will be presented at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi in January, 2017.

For online submissions, or for more information visit the Zayed Future Energy Prize website or contact the regional outreach partner at this email address: [email protected]

Image: 2016 SME winner Off Grid Electric.