The Zayed Future Energy Prize has honoured nine winners for their outstanding achievements and excellence in advancing renewable energy and sustainability worldwide.

The prize was awarded in five distinct categories - large corporation, lifetime achievement, small and medium enterprise (SME), non-governmental organisation (NGO) and the Global High Schools Prize.

The winners across the five categories were ABB, Abellon Clean Energy, Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems, battery pioneer Wang Chuanfu and five high schools from around the world.

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: “Through the prize, we are not only recognising tremendous achievement in renewable energy and sustainability, but also funding the organisations, schools and individuals committed to sustainable development among communities around the world.”

The annual $4 million prize, established by the UAE government, recognises companies, organisations, schools and individuals across the world that have made significant contributions to the future of renewable energy and sustainability.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, director general of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “More than ever, the world needs innovators, technologies and initiatives that can address our pressing energy challenges. The prize recognises individuals, organizations and schools who are committed to creating a cleaner, sustainable future.”

“The collective efforts of our winners and finalists are positively impacting communities around the world. Today, alumni of the prize are delivering access to energy and water to millions, championing the deployment of renewable energy and are creating job and education opportunities,” he added.

The Global High Schools Prize category – in its second year – was launched to recognise and encourage young people to incorporate renewable energy and sustainability into their schools.

Five schools from five regions were each awarded $100,000 for their proposed sustainability projects.

The five winners were New York-based Bronx Design and Construction Academy from the Americas region; Gheorghe Rosca Codreanu National College in Romania representing Europe; Nkhata Bay School Authority in Malawi for Africa; Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya in India for the Asia region; and Tonga High School representing Oceania.

“This year, we saw a record number of Global High School submissions. It is inspiring to see the youth of today participate in such large numbers. It is a strong indication of their demand for a more sustainable future,” said Dr Al Jaber. - TradeArabia News Service