1. Please start with introducing Zayed Future Energy Prize
The US$ 4 million Zayed Future Energy Prize was established by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to honors the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. With a mind towards ensuring that the Prize reaches out to the various key players in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors, the Prize is awarded annually in the following categories: Large Corporation, Small and Medium Enterprise, Non-Governmental Organization, Lifetime Achievement and Global High Schools across five geographical regions.
The Prize recognizes and rewards achievements that reflect impact, innovation, long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability. Over six years, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has honoured 30 individuals, organizations and schools worldwide committed to finding solutions to meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment.
2. Can you share with us some of your achievements?
The impact of the Prize is far-reaching. Each of our winners is selected because of the significant impact they have already made on global communities with their technologies and solutions. In addition, winning the Prize further catalyses and funds our winner’s existing efforts – we act as a platform to not just recognize, but also reward and support the development of pioneers and innovators that will play an important role in the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
In six years, we have awarded 30 winners – and these winners have impacted millions of lives. Over the years, Prize winners have trained thousands of women as green technicians; delivered solar home systems to millions in Bangladesh; created access to safe drinking water to millions in Africa; and funded university scholarship to students around the world.
Another noteworthy achievement is the effect the Global High Schools category has on the future generation – the Prize rewards schools across the world for innovative sustainability proposals, thus inspiring students across the world to acquire a greater understanding of and involvement in the renewable energy and sustainability movement.
3. How is Zayed Future Energy Prize trying to encourage SMES, NGOs, Large Corporations and individuals that contribute to the renewable Energy sector?
Throughout history, prizes have proven to be a mechanism to encourage innovation. The Zayed Future Energy Prize inspires and incentivises Large Corporations, SMES, NGOs, individuals and schools that are committed to addressing the world’s pressing energy and sustainability challenges.
The Prize is the largest of its kind at US4 million dollars – and provides much-needed funding, especially in the case of SMEs and NGO looking to accelerate their solutions and technologies to market.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize also provides winners and runners-up global recognition – winners are awarded during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attended by prominent leaders in renewable energy and sustainability, heads of state, key UAE government officials and international media.
In addition, winners have the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded individual and organisations, creating a marketplace for innovation in renewable energy and sustainability. Sustainnovate.ae, managed by the Prize provides a platform for open discussion and collaboration among finalists, winners and runnes-up. A case in point is the recent partnership between Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV), the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize winner in the Global High School category for Asia and 2014 SME finalist, SELCO India to implement the school’s award-winning sustainability project.
4. How will the renewable sector replace non-renewable resources in the coming years?
The key lies in a balanced and diversified global energy mix – there is no absolute replacement for oil. We envisage a future that integrates renewables with hydrocarbons and optimizes energy efficiency through smart grids to mitigate our impact on the environment.
The Middle East and North Africa is estimated to hold nearly half of the world’s renewable energy potential – with a large majority of that resource being solar energy.
Be it for environmental, economic or social benefits, we believe the future is in the clean energy industry, ensuring a robust economic future and energy security beyond hydrocarbons.
5. How will an initiative at the high school level increase awareness in society about the implementation of renewable energy technologies?
Sustainable solutions are fundamental to protecting our shared future. High school students form the future generation, and inculcating knowledge on the significance of renewable energy and sustainability will not only educate, but also inspire them to adopt a sustainable approach at an early stage. Thus, by encouraging and rewarding sustainability practice among the next generation, the Global High School category is shaping a better future for all.
