Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Council of Energy of Dubai announced opening registration for the third Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2016/2017, to be held under the new theme ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’. Applications will be received from 1 December 2016 to 1 March 2017. Applications will be evaluated by the committee from April to September. The final ceremony to honour he winners will take place on 22 October 2017, to coincide with World Energy Day. The award aims to recognize the efforts of organisations and individuals in energy management and conservation. Moreover, it encourages scientific research and knowledge in energy by nurturing an environment of creativity, competition, innovation, excellence as part of developing clean energy innovative solutions.
“Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have organised the third Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2016/2017. Through this award, we look to promote a culture of excellence, sustainability, and innovation in energy management, as well as ensuring efficiency, boosting sustainable alternative clean energy sources. The award also works on activating the role of communities and raising awareness about conservation, as well as preserving the environment and natural resources,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and President of the EEA, at the press conference.
“The Emirates Energy Award focuses on certain standards and goals to honour the best practices and experiences in energy efficiency management in line with the directives of our wise of leadership that excelled in providing legislation and programmes in clean energy and climate change issues that will be a pioneering part of the international efforts to preserve the planet and embrace innovation and creative solutions with respect to all sectors of society,” added Al Tayer. 
“The future vision and wise directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, strongly support sustainable development in the UAE and Dubai. This was demonstrated in the success of the UAE Vision 2021, Dubai Plan 2021, and the national Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative. These plans have set a clear approach and a solid foundation by introducing ambitious initiatives and projects that combine economic growth, energy sustainability, and clean and safe environment. It has also contributed to promoting energy efficiency and green growth in the UAE,” continued Al Tayer.
The award takes place every two years and includes the whole of the Middle East and North Africa, this version of the award will highlight the best practices of leading business in energy efficiency. The award serves as an international platform where it attracts creative individuals, to recognise and reward participants and mark their achievements in energy efficiency, clean energy, sustainability, natural resources preservation. Al Tayer commended the excellent and increasing participation of individuals and organisations. Al Tayer noted that the EEA attracted 112 participants during the previous session, a 10% increase compared to the one before. “It has brought to the participants and winners, individuals and institutions, excellence in providing the best innovations. “This has encouraged us to promote achievements to consolidate comprehensive sustainable development concepts for the benefit of individuals and communities alike,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer noted that the objectives of the award in energy management goes in line with the leadership vision in making the UAE a centre for innovation whereas this is demonstrated in the projects’ and programmes’ participations in the previous session. He added that previous participants demonstrated expertise and responsibility in the energy field and its challenges as far as clean energy, research and development and energy conservation are concerned.
Al Tayer urged organisations and individuals working in the energy sector as well as individuals to participate in the forthcoming Emirates Energy Award, which follows specific programme, judged by specialised committees, and will be running according to precise and clear standards to ensure a fair evaluation process for all entries. Al Tayer stressed the importance of working in harmony to achieve a unified goal of protecting the planet and upholding the collective responsibility towards it by finding innovative solutions in clean energy, ensuring we all live happily and in a healthy and clean environment to achieve a secure sustainable future for us and the generations to come.
“We aim to organise this award to highlight best practices in energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainability, environment protection to enhance the position of Dubai as a leading international hub in energy efficiency and alternative energy. The award aims to recognise and reward the efforts of organisations and individuals in energy management and conservation. Moreover, it encourages scientific research and knowledge in energy by nurturing an environment of creativity, competition, innovation, excellence as part of developing clean energy innovative solutions,” said HE Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of Executive Committee of EEA.
The EEA has 10 categories which are Energy Efficiency – Public & Private Sectors (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Energy Efficiency – Private Sector (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Large Energy Project (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Small Energy Project (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Connecting Solar Power to Buildings Project for Large Projects (over 500 KW) (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Connecting Solar Power to Buildings Project for Small Projects (less than 500 KW) (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Education and Capacity Building (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Research and Development (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Young Professional Energy Award (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), and a Special Recognition Award.
