Renewable Energy Leaders Call For Investment In Future Generation To Spur Innovation

Gathered in Abu Dhabi, government and industry leaders say new generation key to future of clean energy and sustainability sectors

Today, during a discussion panel, distinguished leaders from the renewable energy and sustainability sectors stressed the importance of investment in the future generation as a pathway to foster innovation and address the energy and climate challenge. Specifically, the group called upon nations and the private sector to invest in education, mentorship programs and strategic initiatives that encourage young people to get active in emerging sectors like renewable energy and clean technology.

“Without innovators who are equipped to push the boundaries of our scientific, economic and technological understanding of clean energy, the industry will fall short of its commitment to shape a sustainable future for a growing population,” said Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. “This sector requires a stream of strategic, deep thinkers to continue us on our path toward a greener, more energy-secure future. Finding future industry leaders requires a significant investment of time and resources, and must remain a priority.”

Called “Leadership in Sustainability: A Personal Perspective on Catalysing the Sustainability Industry,” the discussion panel was held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and featured some of the world’s leading authorities in the clean technology and renewable energy sectors. The panel was organized by the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the world’s preeminent award for rewarding innovation in sustainability and renewable energy.

Moderated by Dr. Al-Hosany the panel included: Her Excellency Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, minister of energy, South Africa; Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and chairman of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Selection Committee; Prof. Jose Goldemberg, professor of physics at the University of Sao Paulo and 2013 recipient of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Lifetime Achievement Award; Michael Liebreich, CEO of Bloomberg New Energy Finance; and Ditlev Engel, CEO of Vestas, and 2011 Zayed Future Energy Prize winner.

A specific initiative discussed was the Global High Schools Prize – a new category added to the annual Zayed Future Energy Prize. The category was launched to recognize and encourage students to incorporate renewable energy and sustainability in their schools and daily lives.

“By recognising and encouraging young people and their ideas, we are creating a solid foundation for the next generation of sustainability and energy leaders,” said Her Excellency Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, minister of energy, South Africa and member of the Zayed Future Energy Prize jury.

“Access to education and initiatives like the Global High School prize are essential to encouraging future generations to become passionate in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Our future leaders and innovators need help along the way. We must create networks that mold young people and provide the tools necessary to spur innovation in fields such as renewable energy and sustainability,” she continued.

In its first year, the Global High School prize honoured schools from four regions of the world, rewarding each of them with $100,000 to fund proposed sustainability projects.

Representing the Americas region, Secundaria Tecnica 120 School from Cuernavaca, Mexico was selected for its project to upgrade the school’s water, power and heating supply to use renewable sources, including a biogas digester and solar panels. From Europe, Okehampton College, in the United Kingdom, was honoured for its plan to become energy independent by installing two wind turbines and a biomass heating unit. From Tanzania, Africa, Kirya Secondary School was chosen for its project involving wind, solar and biogas plants and sustainable learning centres. Lastly, from the Asian region, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladesh Islamia School, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was selected for its project to become carbon neutral through efficient cooling systems, solar panels and solar batteries.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Jan 16, 2013

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