Zayed Future Energy Prize passes 10,000th entry milestone

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

The Zayed Future Energy Prize had exceeded 10,000 entries over its nine cycles when submissions for the ninth annual awards closed on Monday, June 27. A record 1,678 entries were received this year, an increase of 12 percent on 2015. Nominations, accepted in the Large Corporation and Lifetime Achievement categories, account for 555 entries, while 1,123 submissions were made in the remaining
categories.
Following a record year for global investment in renewable energy, the top-five countries by number of prize entries are the United States, India, Mexico, Colombia and China. This reflects the global appeal of the prize and burgeoning investment in clean technology industries in those countries.
His Excellency Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, president of the Republic of Iceland and chair of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Jury, said: “The extraordinary growth that we see each year from the Zayed Future Energy Prize is a testament to the length and breadth of its reach and influence across the globe. Through this growth we see Sheikh Zayed’s continuing legacy inspire and empower pioneers in the industry and improve conditions for communities in every region of the world.” In the Asia region, the UAE contributed the second highest number of Global High School category submissions, behind India. Taking into account all regions, the prize’s home nation placed seventh out of 49 countries for entries received in this category, which grew by 50 percent on 2015.
Winning high school projects to date have resulted in a reduction of more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, benefitting 37,000 people in surrounding communities. Of the 555 nominations, 205 were for large corporations and 350 were made for individuals. Submissions increased by 32 percent to 578 made by small and medium enterprises and by 10% to 260 by non-profit organisations.