The Zayed Future Energy Prize, the UAE’s international awards for pioneers of a sustainable energy future, exceeded 10,000 entries over its nine cycles when submissions for the ninth annual awards closed recently.

A record 1,678 entries were received this year, an increase of 12 per cent 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.

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 per cent 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.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and director general of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “The prize continues to honour the legacy of our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan through the significant impact it is having on people across the globe. To date, the contributions and actions of the prize winners have improved conditions for more than 202 million people, and this is one of the ways in which the UAE is playing a fundamental role in driving a sustainable development and ensuring energy access for all.”

During the ninth cycle, the prize accepted nominations to the Large Corporation category in place of submissions, for the first time. The nomination process is already used in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Of the 555 nominations, 205 were for large corporations and 350 were made for individuals. Submissions, accepted in the remaining categories, increased by 32 per cent to 578 made by small and medium enterprises and by 10 per cent to 260 by non-profit organisations.

Before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January, entries must undergo a four-stage evaluation process. Evaluation begins with due diligence by research and analysis before a shortlist is formed by the Review Committee. From the reduced shortlist, entries are examined by the Selection Committee, where a list of finalists is agreed upon. The process culminates in a meeting of the prize jury to select a winning entry in each category. Submissions in the Global High Schools category are considered by the Global High Schools committee following due diligence, before proceeding directly to the Jury.

International experts from a range of sectors, including energy, government, business and academia, are involved at every stage. The jury counts current and former heads of state, global leaders and world-renowned personalities among its past and present members. – TradeArabia News Service