The Zayed Future Energy Prize, has announced the top six finalists to compete for the 2011 Prize.

The prize recognises and rewards outstanding work in renewable energy and sustainability.

The six finalists were selected from a total of 391 submissions from 69 countries.

This year the competing six entries are:
• Amory B Lovins, the chairman and chief scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado, for his work on “integrative design for energy efficient buildings.
• Barefoot College, the only fully solar electrified College in India, for training woman in rural areas to contribute to solar energy development.
• E+Co, an investment company based in New Jersey, for its pioneering clean energy investments in the developing world.
• First Solar, solar modules manufacturer based in Arizona, for its commitment to solar energy and the development of more efficient thin film solar modules.
• Terry Tamminen, CEO and founder of 7th Generation Advisors, for his work in developing renewable energy solutions in California.
• Vestas, a Danish manufacturer of wind turbine technology for its work to bring clean energy to developing countries.

“We are committed to inspire future energy innovators around the globe to ensure the development of green technologies to help preserve our natural environment. It is our ambition to make Abu Dhabi a global hub for sustainable energy leaders,' stated Dr Sultan Al Jaber, director general of Zayed Future Energy Prize.

“The jury will have a very tough choice as all six that we have selected have made a really significant contribution to renewable energy and sustainability,' added Razan Al Mubarak, managing director, Emirates Wildlife Society, World Wide Fund for Nature and chairman of the Selection Committee.

The winner, to be announced on January 18 during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, will receive $1.5 million. In addition, two other runner-ups will receive up to $350,000 for outstanding work in the field of renewable and sustainable energy.-TradeArabia News Service