Further criteria are the long-term vision and their innovation potential. Regarding all categories, a record total of 579 entries from 88 countries was received this year by the Zayed Future Energy prize committee.

For Abu Dhabi, as one of the world's major energy providers, renewable energy is one of the most important topics. Every year, the emirate offers the Zayed Future Energy Prize to underscore the importance of this topic and to honor the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates and emir of Abu Dhabi. The prize is awarded to enterprises, NGO’s and educational institutions from around the world as well as to selected persons for their lifework.

“As the largest solar energy research institute in Europe, Fraunhofer ISE offers high-quality research and innovative services with the aim of an efficient, social fair and environmentally sound energy supply – in other words the transformation of the whole energy system,” explains Prof. Eicke R. Weber, director of the Institute. “We are pleased that the committee of the Zayed Future Energy Prize honors our efforts in this way.”

Also nominated is the nonprofit organization CERES (USA) which advocates with a network of investors, companies and public interest groups for sustainable business practices and sustainable welfare, and the Rocky Mountain Institute (USA), an organization with its main focus on research, consultancy, and public relations in the field of energy efficiency. Another nominee from Germany besides Fraunhofer ISE is Siemens LLC in the category Large Corporation.