Emirates Energy Award reinforces its position as a comprehensive global platform for excellence in energy innovation and sustainability

The Emirates Energy Award, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, is a leading global platform celebrating excellence in clean energy and sustainability. Now in its fifth cycle, the award continues to strengthen its presence locally, regionally and globally through various categories that encourage innovation and support the transition towards a green economy and sustainable development.

Organised under the theme ‘Empowering Carbon Neutrality’, the award features 10 categories that address key aspects of sustainability and renewable energy. These are Energy Efficiency – Public Sector; Energy Efficiency – Private Sector; Large Energy Project; Small Energy Project; Circular Economy; Large Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation ≥ 500 kW); Small Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation < 500 kW); Education & Capacity Building; Research & Development; and Young Energy Professional.

The award categories are distinguished by their diversity and inclusiveness, encompassing various dimensions of innovation from technical and engineering solutions to educational and community contributions. This enables institutions and individuals from different sectors to submit their projects and initiatives within a clear framework that considers environmental impact, economic efficiency and long-term social return.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development and a green economy in the UAE, which is currently at the forefront of global efforts to address the challenges of climate change through strategic initiatives and projects. In line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to generate 100% of the emirate's energy from clean sources by 2050, the award seeks to raise environmental awareness and encourage the participation of institutions, companies and individuals from the public and private sectors as well as academia, for their pivotal role in addressing the effects of climate change and global warming. It also encourages them to submit their ideas and innovations to find practical solutions in this field.”

“The award, as a world-class platform, underscores the UAE’s leading role in advancing the global transition to clean energy. It reflects the vision of our wise leadership in establishing a sustainable economy based on innovation and knowledge, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced solutions in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The diversity of the award’s categories demonstrates our commitment to fostering broad-based participation and enabling all stakeholders to contribute effectively to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” added Al Tayer.

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, noted that the design of the award categories takes into account major shifts in sustainability concepts, particularly with the emergence of the circular economy as a key pillar of resource management.

Al Muhairbi added: “The award presents a comprehensive model for fostering excellence across the energy sector through a rigorous evaluation methodology that focuses on technical feasibility, environmental impact and added value at both the local and international levels. It is open to participation by government, private and semi-government entities, as well as individuals, reinforcing the award’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration.”

The award’s 10 categories encompass a broad spectrum of innovation within the energy and sustainability sectors. The Energy Efficiency – Public Sector and the Energy Efficiency – Private Sector categories recognise institutional initiatives that have successfully reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency across government entities and private companies. The Large Energy Project and the Small Energy Project categories honour technical and engineering solutions that enhance energy production or support smart energy use, whether on a wide or localised scale.

The Circular Economy category focuses on initiatives that promote resource reuse and waste reduction, contributing to the development of sustainable economic models. In the field of solar energy, the award highlights excellence in distributed generation through two distinct categories based on capacity: one for initiatives producing 500kW or more, and another for projects below 500kW.

Acknowledging the importance of human capital, the Education & Capacity Building category shines the spotlight on efforts to promote sustainability awareness and strengthen skills development. Meanwhile, the Research & Development category celebrates groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements. The Young Energy Professional category showcases the contributions of the next generation of thinkers and innovators driving the global transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.

Through its 10 categories, the Emirates Energy Award reflects a strong commitment to global efforts aimed at accelerating the shift towards clean and efficient energy systems. It also reinforces the critical role of local and regional actors in advancing climate action through tangible initiatives, impactful partnerships and forward-looking solutions that shape the future of sustainability.