#USA #New York #Duke Energy #LONGi Green Energy #Cheniere

Celebrating Global Excellence: The 27th Annual Platts Global Energy Awards

On December 11, 2025, energy industry leaders gathered at Casa Cipriani, New York City, for the prestigious Platts Global Energy Awards, a ceremony that has become synonymous with recognizing excellence in the energy and chemicals sectors. Emceed by CNBC's Brian Sullivan, the event spotlighted 21 award categories and honored companies and individuals making significant strides in energy innovation, sustainability, and market leadership.

A Global Showcase

This year's event showcased winners from an array of countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Singapore, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and the US. As the awards program enters its 27th year, it continues to draw comparisons to the Oscars of the energy industry, representing a culmination of nominations that reflect global achievements in various facets of the energy landscape.

Dave Ernsberger, President of SP Global Energy, emphasized the importance of innovation in the sector, stating, "Energy is everything, everywhere, and the lifeblood of the world's economy. We are proud to honor those who are embracing change and utilizing AI in their operations to steer a sustainable future for generations to come."

Major Winners of the Night

Among the distinguished winners, Cheniere, a Houston-based company, stood out by winning multiple awards: Energy Company of the Year, Chief Executive of the Year, and Excellence in Energy - LNG. The organization's remarkable transition to become the largest LNG producer in the US was heralded by independent judges who praised CEO Jack Fusco as a visionary leader, asserting that Cheniere provides stability to global markets.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was shared between two luminaries in the industry: Zhenguo Li from LONGi Green Energy Technology Company and Alan Armstrong of Williams. Li was recognized for revolutionizing solar technology and advancing the global push for carbon neutrality through innovative practices, while Armstrong’s leadership helped reposition Williams as a top-tier natural gas operator with an impressive track record on safety and sustainable practices.

Recognizing Emerging Leaders

Shu Fei Zeng, the founder of KH Marque, was honored as the Chief Trailblazer of the Year for her innovative work in transforming used cooking oil into sustainable biofuels. In just four years, Zeng elevated her startup to become Southeast Asia's largest collector of used cooking oil, demonstrating exceptional revenue growth and an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Rising Star Award for Individuals went to Katie Aittola, Senior Vice President at Duke Energy, for her pivotal role in enhancing the company's risk management strategies and driving innovations that significantly improve operational efficiency. Her leadership in climate resiliency set new industry benchmarks and is indicative of her potential to influence the energy sector even further.

Commitment to Impact and Sustainability

The awards also celebrated corporate social responsibility efforts, notably with LONGi receiving the Corporate Impact Award for its significant contributions to maternal healthcare in Mozambique through its Solar for Safe Births program. This initiative addresses critical healthcare challenges by installing solar-powered freshwater systems in local maternity clinics, providing essential resources to expectant mothers in underserved areas.

Ernsberger remarked on the necessity of adapting to the changes that are sweeping through the energy sector, calling for a collective effort from the industry to ensure modern energy access. He concluded, "As we move toward a more equitable and sustainable future, it's imperative that we embrace and acknowledge the innovations that drive our industry forward."

Looking Ahead

The winners of the Platts Global Energy Awards are determined by an independent panel of judges from a pool of finalists representing 37 countries, ensuring that the selections are both credible and reflective of the industry’s best. To learn more about the award winners and their remarkable contributions, visit the Platts Global Energy Awards website or check out the latest issue of the SP Global Energy Insights Magazine.

As the energy landscape evolves, the recognition of both individual and corporate excellence remains vital to fostering innovation, sustainability, and a greener future for generations to come.