Lei Zhang's Trailblazing Achievement: First Private Sector Leader to Win Energy Institute President's Award

In a momentous event for the energy sector, Lei Zhang, the Founder and CEO of Envision, has become the first leader from the private sector to be awarded the prestigious Energy Institute's President's Award for 2026. This recognition underscores Envision's impactful role in facilitating the global energy transition, which is crucial for driving economic growth and advancing decarbonization efforts.

The Energy Institute highlighted Zhang's visionary leadership, noting his consistent framing of the energy transition as both an economic opportunity and a systems challenge. They emphasized his commitment to elevating industry standards and fostering skills and education, while advocating for a long-term perspective on how energy systems can better meet societal needs.

A Transformative Honorable Recognition

Traditionally, the President's Award has been conferred upon individuals associated with government and international organizations. Thus, Zhang's accolade signifies a pivotal shift recognizing the essential contributions made by private sector leaders in the energy domain. Andy Brown, President of the Energy Institute, remarked, "Lei's vision and leadership have made him one of the foremost global energy leaders, shaping the AI energy system with infinite, intelligent, and affordable solutions."

During the award acceptance, Zhang expressed a sense of urgency regarding the current energy landscape. He emphasized the transformative nature of technology in driving down renewable energy costs, making it both accessible and abundant. Drawing parallels to history, he likened the skepticism regarding renewable energy to the dismissal of paper over parchment in the 13th century, highlighting how initially underestimated innovations can lead to groundbreaking societal shifts.

Zhang articulated that we are at a decisive juncture where the age of fossil fuels is drawing to a close. He stated, "When energy becomes abundant and accessible, like paper once was for knowledge, it will unlock intelligence, restore dignity, and reshape cooperation, paving the way for a new era of prosperity for civilization."

Fostering Sustainability as a New Prosperity

Zhang has emerged as a significant voice in the international discussions surrounding energy and climate change. He co-founded the Global School of Sustainability in collaboration with the London School of Economics and was recently acknowledged as one of TIME's "100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025." Professor Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Global School of Sustainability, noted, "Sustainability is the new prosperity, and Lei's commitment to leveraging technology to address shared energy challenges sets a powerful example of the leadership needed to expedite global change."

Founded in 2007, Envision operates on the principle that clean energy is not just necessary for environmental reasons but is also a vital foundation for new economic opportunities. This mission was underscored by Envision's recent global launch of Dubhe, an innovative energy foundation model designed to enhance the scalability of energy systems in conjunction with AI, further reinforcing Zhang's vision.

As the Energy Institute prepares for its annual International Energy Week in London, bringing together policy leaders and industry experts, Zhang's achievements serve as a beacon for the potential impact of blending innovative technologies with sustainable practices. Zhang's recognition exemplifies the evolution of the energy sector, where the contributions of private enterprises are vital in achieving the ambitious target of net-zero emissions.

In conclusion, Lei Zhang's recognition marks a breakthrough moment, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between public and private sectors in navigating energy transition. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and intelligent systems, the future of energy looks promising—and Zhang's influence is sure to be fundamental in shaping that future.