By Renewable Energy Focus staff

Vestas was presented the award at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in recognition of its contributions to wind energy, even in times of lower demand.

The wind turbine manufacturer has made more than 41,000 wind turbines for customers in 65 countries across five continents, generating more than 60 TWh annually.

The judges were particularly impressed with Vestas’ long-term vision, showing the ability to scale up through a commercially-viable business model and for its contribution to the industry.

Announcing the winner, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “Congratulations to Vestas on winning this year’s prize. Vestas is a worthy winner having pioneered large-scale innovation in wind power and for its positive impact on the energy needs of humanity.”

Dr R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the jury and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, added: “Vestas clearly stood out for a number of reasons, and most importantly, for dynamically changing wind energy technology, something that requires imagination, vision and dedication. Innovation doesn’t come about through a flash in the pan, it is something that requires enormous perseverance, clarity of purpose, efforts and resources.”

Runner-up prizes

The winners of the US$350,000 runner-up prizes were Amory B. Lovins at Rocky Mountain Institute and E+Co.

Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute was awarded for his work on an ‘integrative design’ methodology for energy efficient buildings, vehicles and factories.

E+Co, a clean energy investment company, was honoured for its investments in the developing world supporting and investing in small and growing clean energy enterprises.