Leading international experts working in the fields of energy, sustainability and education have shortlisted 34 finalists for the 2018 Zayed Future Energy Prize.

It was the third phase of a rigorous four-stage evaluation process to determine the winners.

The finalists will be discussed during a meeting of the prize’s jury at the end of this month, with the winners to be announced at the annual awards ceremony during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January.

The finalists for the Non-Profit Organisation category are 'We Care Solar' and 'Solar Sister'. They focus on expanding solar solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs in 'last-mile' communities, while Selco Foundation finances renewable and sustainable energy systems for low-income households in India.

In the Small and Medium Enterprise category, Sunna Design, BBOXX Ltd and 1366 Technologies were named finalists.

They have expanded the solar market through the creation of smart solar street lighting, solar home systems and utility services, and solar wafers using more cost- and energy-efficient processes. Entries were evaluated against four criteria, namely, impact, innovation, leadership and long-term vision.

Dr Nawal Al Hosany, the director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: "The prize will act as a catalyst for the advancement of renewable energy solutions by rewarding and recognising those who have implemented sustainable policies and practices."

"This year marks a significant milestone for the prize, as we celebrate a decade of awarding individuals, schools and organisations for creating a positive impact on the world. By working to make clean energy a cornerstone of sustainable development across the globe, the prize is bringing to life the legacy of our nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," he noted.

Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, the chair of Selection Committee, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: "The footprint of the Zayed Future Energy Prize continues to grow every year, and the calibre of entries is always outstanding, with technological innovation improving at an exceptional pace."

"This makes the judging process extremely competitive. It is also rewarding to witness how innovative renewable energy is being embraced and implemented globally," he added.

Simultaneously, the Global High Schools Committee also gathered over the two days Sunday and Monday to evaluate entries from high schools across the world.

Entries received feature project proposals surrounding self-sufficiency at schools, through rainwater harvesting and hydropower, harnessing of solar power with the use of different types of batteries, and enhancing energy efficiency measures using green roofs or reflective films on glass windows. Some 16 schools were selected as finalists from across five regions Africa, The Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

"This year, we saw entries from many more countries for the Global High Schools category, indicating that young people around the world are engaged and in tune with the need for sustainable practices ," said Dr Abdulla Ismail Alzarouni, the Chair of the Global High Schools Committee, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Assistant to the President, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai.

"The Zayed Future Energy Prize has created a strong momentum for engaging and moulding future energy leaders. The entries received reflected an impressive breadth and depth of thinking to introduce innovative projects that will increase sustainability among their communities," he added.