Twenty-three finalists have been shortlisted for the 2014 edition of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the world’s foremost award for innovation in renewable energy and sustainability.

The prize’s Selection Committee met to discuss and evaluate over 40 candidates that had earlier been shortlisted by the Review Committee in five categories: Large Corporation, Small Medium Enterprise, Non-Governmental Organisation, Lifetime Achievement and Global High Schools.

The finalists included innovators, thought leaders, organisations and schools working in energy efficiency, solar PV and biomass among other sectors. Each finalist was evaluated based on the prize criteria of innovation, impact, leadership and long-term vision.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, director general of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: "Year after year, as the Prize grows in reputation and gains international recognition, we find ourselves receiving exciting and diverse entries, both in terms of geography as well as cutting-edge technology.

“The Selection Committee has a challenging task – to deliberate and select the most innovative and impactful solutions that define the renewable energy industry. These are the solutions that will take us one step closer to solving the energy challenges of our time – be it energy access in the developing world, funding research in biofuels and clean technologies, and of course strengthening sustainability practice in schools across the globe,” continued Dr Al Jaber.

“We are closer to choosing the winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and with that comes the knowledge that as we encourage and award more recipients – we honour a legacy left to us by our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan  and take forward the vision of our leadership today,” added Dr Al Jaber.

Bader Al Lamki, director of Masdar Clean Energy and chairman of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Selection Committee, said: “The future of energy relies heavily on our ability to inspire and award innovation – through the Zayed Future Energy Prize, we are doing just that.

“Carrying the namesake of our founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and taking his vision forward through tangible steps, the prize has truly created a platform for excellence and innovation in renewable energy, and provided a much need impetus to this critical industry.”  

“It is an honour and a challenge to be tasked with identifying the most innovative renewable energy and sustainability solutions for 2014. The shortlist is extremely competitive and I would like to wish the finalists the very best for the next and final round,” added Al Lamki.

The finalists are next set to be presented to the prize Jury on November 17 for the final evaluation. Winners of the sixth edition will be announced at the Zayed Future Energy Prize awards ceremony scheduled for January 20, 2014 as part of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. – TradeArabia News Service