The shortlisting process for the winners of the 2016 Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) began last week with three evaluation meetings that were held in Abu Dhabi
The prize is meant for innovative contributors to energy and sustainable development. There were 1,437 entries from 97 countries. The ZFEP committee has stated that it will shortlist 33 submissions by 5 October 2015. Of the submissions, 23 are to the Large Corporation, Small and Medium Enterprise and Non-Governmental Organisation categories and 10 nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the newly created Global High Schools Committee will consider 49 renewable energy or sustainability-focused project proposals.
Several local and international experts in sustainability, policy, engineering, architecture, academia, energy and technology examined the entries selected in a two-month due diligence appraisal by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, ZFEP?s research and analysis partner. Using the criteria of impact, innovation, leadership and long-term vision, the review committee drew up a shortlist of submissions and nominations.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize said, ?Each year, the prize honours our founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan?s legacy of environmental stewardship and sustainability by recognising outstanding individuals and organisations across the world. Our evaluation committees are a valuable and vital part of that process. With continuing growth in the number of entries we receive, the evaluation committees are a criticalpart ofour mission to establish the Zayed Future Energy Prize as the preeminent international prize for renewable energy and sustainability.?
According to the committee, the Zayed Future Energy Prize is a demonstration of the UAE?s commitment to rewarding innovation on a global scale.
Dr. Saif Al-Nasseri, gas processing director at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), who is also the Chair of the Review Committee, said, ?Against a backdrop of international discussions on sustainable development and climate, the Zayed Future Energy Prize demonstrates that the UAE leadership is forward thinking on global issues. The growing importance of the prize is reflected in the record number of entries this year from the largest number of countries in the prize?s history. It has proved incredibly challenging to select submissions for the shortlist because so many merit progression to the next stage.?
In addition to Dr. Al-Nasseri, the ZFEP review committee includes Vice Chair Eng. Rashed Al Dhaheri, Director of the UAE/Egypt Liaison Office, Office of the Minister of State; Mohamed Al Bader, Senior Associate, Masdar; Dr. Rashed Khalifa Al Shaali, Assistant Professor ? Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Architecture, United Arab Emirates University; Dr. Ibrahim M. Babelli, Chief Strategist, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE); Linden Coppell, Head of Sustainability, Etihad Airways; Reem Ketait, Energy Analyst, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sami Khoreibi, CEO, Enviromena Power Systems; GhislaineKieffer, Programme Officer - Policy Advice, International Renewable Energy Agency; Philip Moss, Associate Director, Public-Private Investment in Emerging and Frontier Markets, World Economic Forum; Dr SgourisSgouridis, Associate Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
