Global Energy Prize 2025 Honors Groundbreaking Scientists from China, USA, and Russia

Celebrating Innovation in Energy: The 2025 Global Energy Prize

In a significant event held in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee unveiled the recipients of the 2025 Global Energy Prize, an honor that acknowledges remarkable achievements in the field of energy. This year's laureates come from various backgrounds, each contributing uniquely to advancing energy technology and sustainability.

Recognizing Conventional Energy Excellence

The award in the Conventional Energy category was bestowed upon Jinliang He, a prominent figure in high-voltage engineering, affiliated with Tsinghua University in China. Jinliang’s work emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy supply with a focus on ultra-high voltage transmission systems. He expressed his gratitude, stating, "This honor not only recognizes my work but also the efforts of many brilliant minds pushing the boundaries of energy innovation. My goal is to ensure safe and efficient power distribution worldwide."

By bridging cutting-edge technologies and innovation, Jinliang aims to address pressing energy challenges, particularly in conventional energy domains.

Breaking New Ground in Non-Conventional Energy

In a historic first, the Non-Conventional Energy award went to Yu Huang, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This recognition marks a milestone as Yu is the first woman to receive this award. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the development of advanced catalysts that significantly enhance the performance and profitability of fuel cells. Yu expressed her humility and honor at receiving this prestigious award, highlighting the collaborative effort of her dedicated team: "My group and I are committed to transforming new materials into practical applications for energy conversion and storage. This recognition is a testament to the creativity and passion of all my colleagues, students, and collaborators who contribute to our projects."

Yu’s work signals a critical advancement in the transition towards cleaner energy sources, aiming to overcome traditional limitations in fuel cell technologies.

Advancements in Energy Applications

The third award in the New Ways of Energy Application category was presented to Vladislav Khomich, a leading researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Vladislav is commended for his remarkable contributions to plasma technologies and pulsed energy systems. He has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that enhance energy performance across various applications, a necessity in today’s evolving energy landscape.

A Global Nomination Process

The selection of these laureates followed an extensive nomination cycle, with a record-breaking 90 submissions from 44 countries. The committee, led by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rae Kwon Chung, emphasized the importance of addressing global challenges posed by energy production and climate change. "The trials facing global science today are immense, and our ability to swiftly devise solutions will be critical in shaping the future of civilization," Rae remarked during the event. This sentiment echoes the underlying mission of the Global Energy Prize, encouraging innovation and urgency in the field of energy.

Conclusion

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy demands, the Global Energy Prize stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the advancement of renewable and conventional technologies. The 2025 laureates exemplify the diverse and collaborative nature of scientific endeavor in addressing these critical issues. Their stories serve as inspiring examples for future generations, reminding us all of the importance of innovation in achieving a sustainable energy future.