Zayed Future Energy Prize at Earth Summit

With the ever increasing importance of implementing a synergetic approach to the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, the Zayed Future Energy Prize tomorrow will hold a panel discussion to discuss ways to expedite solutions at the Earth Summit in Rio De Jenairo. The Panel, moderated by the Prize Director Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, will take place at the RIO+20 Earth Summit from 11:30-12:30pm. Speakers of the panel include previous winners of the prize: Winner of the 2012 NGO/SME category Carbon Disclosure Project, represented by its CEO, Winner of the 2012 Large Corporation category Schneider Electric represented by its President in Brazil Tania Cosentino and Winner of the 2011 Large Corporation category, Vestas, represented by its General Manager in Brazil, Miguel Picardo. The Zayed Future Energy Prize, managed by Masdar was established by the leadership of Abu Dhabi in 2008, honors the legacy of sustainability instilled by the late Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over the past four years, the Prize has awarded innovators from around the world for their achievements in the renewable energy and sustainability sphere. Through such panels, the Prize aims to bring together the world's innovators and thought leaders to discuss some of the most relevant topics of the industry today. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar and Director General of the Prize said: "Although the objectives of Sustainable Energy for All are, in and of themselves, ambitious, there are other limitations that need to be addressed in the process - most importantly is finding and realizing solutions that address the synergies between the twin pillars of our sustainable energy future - energy efficiency and renewable energy." "Governments around the world have recognized and acknowledged that an integrated approach addressing renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions are the key to achieving a sustainable future and green economy. An alignment between the public sector, private sector and the general public is key." Addressing the synergetic relations between renewable energy and energy efficiency is a key objective of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Sustainable Energy for All Initiative, launched from the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Sustainable Energy for All is guided by the Secretary General's High Level Group that brings all key actors to the table to make sustainable energy for all a reality by 2030. Dr Al Jaber, who is also a member of the High Level Group said: "The challenges are varied but can be resolved through a systematic linking between renewable energy and energy efficiency in the policy arena as well as implementation measures that include the reduction of transportation and transmission losses, efficient building design and an improvement in end use efficiencies that will in turn reduce the cost of delivering end-use services by renewable energy." "The synergy is evident," he added, "we increase the use of renewable energy by reducing consumption." For years, many governments have chosen to place emphasis on production rather than reduction; on supply rather than demand. This approach has created an imbalanced focus in setting local and regional energy targets and carbon reduction strategies with Renewable Energy gaining prominence. Throughout its presence at RIO+20, the Zayed Future Energy Prize administration will be delivering daily presentations at the UAE Pavilion, located at the Parque Dos Athletas (Athlete's Park), and supporting those who wish to submit for the Prize at a dedicated location at the stand. Representatives of the Zayed Future Energy Prize will also be attending the UN Secretary General's reception, hosted by Masdar, in Rio. On March 2012, the Zayed Future Energy Prize announced that its newly launched Global High Schools Prize category is a commitment to the Sustainable Energy For All Initiative. Other categories of the prize, which closes for submissions this year on July 16, 2012 include an award for an NGO, SME, an individual for the Lifetime Achievement award and a recognition award for a Large Corporation.