Dubai, UAE, 23 March 2016

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) launched today the third edition of Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2016/2017 to be held under new theme: ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’.

This was unveiled at a press conference held in Armani Hotel Dubai and attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and President of the Emirates Energy Award (EEA) in presence of HE Ahmad B. Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of DSCE, Vice Chairman of Executive Committee of EEA. Attendees from ministries, government departments and private companies were also present at the conference in addition to experts from energy companies and media representatives.

The award aims to felicitate the efforts of organisations and individuals in energy management and conservation. Moreover, it encourages scientific research and knowledge in the energy field through nurturing an environment of creativity, competition, innovation, excellence as part of developing clean energy innovative solutions.

Award to foster a culture of excellence and innovation

“Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we announce the launch of the third edition of Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2016/2017, which is organised by The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) under the new theme ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’. 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 (DSCE), and President of the Emirates Energy Award (EEA) during his opening speech at the press conference.

“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 legislations and programmes in clean energy and climate change issues to be part of the leading 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, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, have strong impact in supporting sustainable development in the UAE and Dubai. This was demonstrated in the success of the UAE Vision 2021, Dubai Plan 2021, and the national initiative ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’. 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,” Al Tayer explained.

New theme of ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’

“There is an urgent need to explore the future of energy as we are adopting new approaches for EEA under the theme of ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’, in which we seek a secure future for our coming generations in light of our relentless efforts to support the global plans aimed to find innovative solutions to environmental issues and creating sustainable communities for generations to come,” noted Al Tayer.

Al Tayer hailed the excellent and increasing participations of individuals and organisations. He pointed out that EEA attracted 112 participants during the previous edition, 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,” Al Tayer emphasised.

Al Tayer said 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 edition. 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.

New Category added to the Award

Al Tayer announced during the press conference the addition of a new category in EEA which is ‘Connecting Solar Power to Buildings’ with three sub categories (gold, silver and bronze). This category targets large and medium enterprises and it goes in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to provide 7% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2020, 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050.

Al Tayer urged organisations and individuals working in the energy sector as well as individuals to participate in the forthcoming edition of the 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.

Concluding his speech at the press conference, HE 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 in order to achieve a secure sustainable future for us and the generations to come.

“We aim from organising 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,” added HE Al Muhairbi.

“The award serves as an international platform where it attracts creative entries to felicitate participants and mark their achievements in energy efficiency, clean energy, sustainability, natural resources preservation. In this edition, our focus is to develop innovative solutions for clean energy,” noted Al Muhairbi.

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 (more than 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 Special Recognition Award.