The annual ceremony of the EI Awards 2020 took place on 26 November, with an aim to celebrate the most innovative people and projects across the global energy sector – with the winners feted by both the President of the Energy Institute (EI) and the UK Energy Minister.
This year saw a record 160 entries from around the world – from Nigeria to New Zealand, Spain to Singapore – all competing for the ten awards.
Held virtually for the first time in the awards’ 21-year history, the expert judges praised the outstanding and diverse talent of the winners and nominees, who showcased ingenuity and strength, in the face of the global pandemic.
Hosting the ceremony, EI President Steve Holliday FREng FEI commented:
“These Awards recognise the engineers, scientists and innovators who together make energy safer, cleaner and more accessible – from conventional fuels through to growing fields in low carbon technologies.
“I am proud to be part of an industry delivering day-in-day-out in the most difficult of circumstances, making an indispensable contribution during the global pandemic and keeping energy supplies flowing.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners, to the shortlisted contenders and to this amazing industry on which we all depend.”
UK Energy, Business and Clean Growth Minister Kwasi Kwarteng MP also spoke at the ceremony, saying:
“Behind the advances that improve our lives today are millions of people in and around the world of energy doing tremendous work.
“It’s a privilege to have this opportunity to express my admiration and thanks to the winners of all 10 EI Awards.
“Whether it’s ensuring we protect our environment and reduce emissions, or extending universal access to energy, the leadership and achievement that we’re celebrating today is truly inspiring”
Alongside the innovative winners of the eight project categories, this year’s individual awards were presented to two distinguished women in their fields. Ujunwa Ojemeni, Founder of the Africa Women in Energy Development Initiative won the Energy Leader Award. Carol Choi, Innovation Analyst at UK Power Networks, became the EI’s new Young Energy Professional of the Year.
The EI Awards were presented in association with the EI’s Generation 2050 initiative and its supporting partners Chrysaor, EY, IBM, Neptune Energy, Ørsted, Repsol Sinopec Resources UK, and Vattenfall.
The winners of the EI Awards 2020 are:
Access to Energy: InfraCo Asia
For their Philippines Smart Solar Network project
www.infracoasia.com
Energy Management: Midas Pattern
For their Midas Green Initiative
www.midaspattern.co.uk/green-initiative
Environment: The Sniffers
For their Methane Accounting Program
www.the-sniffers.com/
Health and Safety: NDT Global
For their increased awareness of the importance of safety amongst employees
www.ndt-global.com
Innovative Technology: Vestemi
For MyRadbot
www.vestemi.com/products/
Low Carbon: Egypt-PV
For the Grid Connected Small-Scale Photovoltaic Systems Project
www.egypt-pv.org/?lang=en
Public Engagement: Octopus Energy
For Portraits from the Precipice (PftP) – a collection of climate art
www.octopus.energy/climate-art/
Talent Development and Learning: European Energy Centre
For its work creating a global skilled workforce in renewable energy & energy efficiency
www.euenergycentre.org/
Energy Leader: Ujunwa Ojemeni
Founder of the Africa Women in Energy Development Initiative
awedinetwork.com/about-us
Young Energy Professional: Carol Choi
Innovation Analyst at UK Power Networks
www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
