Lei Zhang Receives 2026 President's Award from Energy Institute for Leadership in Energy Transition
In a groundbreaking recognition for the private sector, Lei Zhang, the founder and CEO of Envision, has been named the recipient of the 2026 President's Award from the Energy Institute. This esteemed accolade highlights Zhang's pivotal role in shaping the global energy transition aimed at promoting economic growth and prosperity while accelerating decarbonization.
The Energy Institute's selection of Zhang as its first private sector awardee underscores the value of industry involvement in the energy domain, where he has consistently approached the energy transition as a systemic challenge and an economic opportunity rather than a limitation. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing industry standards, fostering qualifications and education, and encouraging long-term thinking about how energy systems can better serve society and the economy.
Andy Brown, the President of the Energy Institute, remarked, "The President's Award is the highest honor granted by our institute, recognizing individuals whose contributions have a transformative impact on global energy supply. Lei's vision and leadership qualities have established him as one of the leading figures in energy today. Through Envision, he is shaping an AI-driven energy system that is limitless, intelligent, and affordable for all."
The significance of this award extends to the private sector, traditionally dominated by recipients from government, diplomacy, and international organizations. This pivotal recognition signals a shift towards valuing entrepreneurial leadership in the energy transition journey.
Receiving the award, Zhang pointed out that the world is at a critical juncture, where technology has brought down renewable energy costs to a level that is not only affordable but abundant. He drew a historical analogy to the 13th century, when paper was initially dismissed as inferior to parchment but eventually transformed knowledge accessibility for the masses, leading to significant societal shifts.
As he optimistically looks to the future, Zhang stated, "The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. What lies ahead is not just a new energy system, but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible, akin to how paper unlocked knowledge, it will unleash intelligence, restore dignity, and reshape collaboration. Through this, we will create new prosperity for our civilization."
Zhang is considered an influential voice in the international energy and climate field. He co-founded the Global School of Sustainability at the London School of Economics and was recognized by TIME as one of the 100 most influential climate leaders of 2025. Professor Nicholas Stern, chair of the Global School of Sustainability, emphasized, "Sustainable development is the only way to achieve strong and secure growth. Sustainability is the new wealth. Lei's commitment to utilizing technology for the common challenges of humanity in energy, coupled with his extraordinary creativity and drive, is a powerful example of the kind of leadership we need to accelerate the pace of change worldwide."
Founded in 2007, Envision is built on the premise that clean energy is not just an environmental necessity but also a foundation for new economic possibilities. The company's recent global launch of Dubhe, a groundbreaking energy endowment model designed to scale energy systems in concert with AI, signifies a major leap forward as Envision shapes the future of energy.
The Energy Institute serves as the professional body for individuals engaged in the energy sector, striving to create a better energy future through a just global transition to net-zero energy. The International Energy Week, organized annually by the EI, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in London to discuss these vital issues.
In his acceptance speech, Zhang shared his vision for "Creating a New Prosperity for Civilization," expressing gratitude for the award, noting that this recognition affirms not only his team's efforts but also their shared vision for a prosperous future. He stressed that humanity stands at a decisive point in its development as AI drives a new era of energy demand, and he underscored the urgency to maintain civilization's long-term prosperity amid climate change and finite fossil fuel resources.
Ultimately, Zhang expressed the belief that a transition to a new energy infrastructure—characterized by being infinite, intelligent, and affordable—will pave the way for a more sustainable future. Through innovative advancements and a commitment to accessibility, the energy sector has the potential to transform civilization, fostering collaboration and enhancing quality of life across the globe. As we embrace the era of renewable energy, humanity will enter a new phase of interconnectedness, breaking away from competition over limited resources to harness the abundant flows of nature together, thus establishing a foundation for a new civilization rooted in cooperation.
The Energy Institute's selection of Zhang as its first private sector awardee underscores the value of industry involvement in the energy domain, where he has consistently approached the energy transition as a systemic challenge and an economic opportunity rather than a limitation. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing industry standards, fostering qualifications and education, and encouraging long-term thinking about how energy systems can better serve society and the economy.
Andy Brown, the President of the Energy Institute, remarked, "The President's Award is the highest honor granted by our institute, recognizing individuals whose contributions have a transformative impact on global energy supply. Lei's vision and leadership qualities have established him as one of the leading figures in energy today. Through Envision, he is shaping an AI-driven energy system that is limitless, intelligent, and affordable for all."
The significance of this award extends to the private sector, traditionally dominated by recipients from government, diplomacy, and international organizations. This pivotal recognition signals a shift towards valuing entrepreneurial leadership in the energy transition journey.
Receiving the award, Zhang pointed out that the world is at a critical juncture, where technology has brought down renewable energy costs to a level that is not only affordable but abundant. He drew a historical analogy to the 13th century, when paper was initially dismissed as inferior to parchment but eventually transformed knowledge accessibility for the masses, leading to significant societal shifts.
As he optimistically looks to the future, Zhang stated, "The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. What lies ahead is not just a new energy system, but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible, akin to how paper unlocked knowledge, it will unleash intelligence, restore dignity, and reshape collaboration. Through this, we will create new prosperity for our civilization."
Zhang is considered an influential voice in the international energy and climate field. He co-founded the Global School of Sustainability at the London School of Economics and was recognized by TIME as one of the 100 most influential climate leaders of 2025. Professor Nicholas Stern, chair of the Global School of Sustainability, emphasized, "Sustainable development is the only way to achieve strong and secure growth. Sustainability is the new wealth. Lei's commitment to utilizing technology for the common challenges of humanity in energy, coupled with his extraordinary creativity and drive, is a powerful example of the kind of leadership we need to accelerate the pace of change worldwide."
Founded in 2007, Envision is built on the premise that clean energy is not just an environmental necessity but also a foundation for new economic possibilities. The company's recent global launch of Dubhe, a groundbreaking energy endowment model designed to scale energy systems in concert with AI, signifies a major leap forward as Envision shapes the future of energy.
The Energy Institute serves as the professional body for individuals engaged in the energy sector, striving to create a better energy future through a just global transition to net-zero energy. The International Energy Week, organized annually by the EI, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in London to discuss these vital issues.
In his acceptance speech, Zhang shared his vision for "Creating a New Prosperity for Civilization," expressing gratitude for the award, noting that this recognition affirms not only his team's efforts but also their shared vision for a prosperous future. He stressed that humanity stands at a decisive point in its development as AI drives a new era of energy demand, and he underscored the urgency to maintain civilization's long-term prosperity amid climate change and finite fossil fuel resources.
Ultimately, Zhang expressed the belief that a transition to a new energy infrastructure—characterized by being infinite, intelligent, and affordable—will pave the way for a more sustainable future. Through innovative advancements and a commitment to accessibility, the energy sector has the potential to transform civilization, fostering collaboration and enhancing quality of life across the globe. As we embrace the era of renewable energy, humanity will enter a new phase of interconnectedness, breaking away from competition over limited resources to harness the abundant flows of nature together, thus establishing a foundation for a new civilization rooted in cooperation.
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