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2026 Global Energy Prize Shortlist Announced

On June 9, 2026, the Global Energy Association revealed the shortlist for the prestigious Global Energy Prize, an accolade celebrated for recognizing groundbreaking contributions in energy science. This year's nominations are particularly notable, spotlighting 15 distinguished scientists hailing from nine diverse nations, including Chile, China, Cyprus, India, Mexico, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The shortlist marks a significant milestone in the nomination process, which commenced earlier this year from January 1 to April 20, engaging representatives from 30 countries and territories. The nominees represent innovative ideas from 28 nations that push the boundaries of energy science and its applications. The final list is subdivided into three categories, namely "Traditional Energy," "Non-Traditional Energy," and "New Ways of Energy Application."

The Finalists

Traditional Energy Category

1. Yilu Liu, USA - Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, noted for his advancements in energy efficiency.
2. Amit Goyal, USA - Founding Director of the RENEW Institute at SUNY-Buffalo, recognized for interdisciplinary research in modern energy solutions.
3. Haisheng Chen, China - Director of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on thermodynamic advances.
4. Jorge Ancheyta-Juarez, Mexico - Professor at IPN, renowned for contributions to chemical engineering in energy extraction.
5. Alexander Batanov, Russia - Chief Designer at a prominent robotics bureau, pushing the integration of robotics in energy applications.

Non-Traditional Energy Category

1. Bhim Singh, India - Emeritus Professor at IIT Delhi, acclaimed for his research in renewable energy sources.
2. Soteris Kalogirou, Cyprus - Professor at Cyprus University of Technology, specializing in solar energy technologies.
3. Yushan Yan, USA - Director of the Center for Clean Hydrogen at the University of Delaware, innovating in hydrogen energy.
4. Josep M. Guerrero, China - Leading renewable energy and microgrid research at Zhejiang University.
5. José H. Zagal Moya, Chile - Director of the Electrocatalysis Laboratory at the University of Santiago, advancing electrochemical energy systems.

New Ways of Energy Application Category

1. Johann W. Kolar, Switzerland - Professor Emeritus at ETH Zurich, recognized for his work on advanced power electronics.
2. Jun Liu, USA - Director of the Innovation Center for Battery500 Consortium, innovating in battery technology.
3. Yulong Ding, UK - Chemical Engineering Chair at the University of Birmingham, focusing on energy storage systems.
4. William A. Goddard, USA - Director at Caltech, known for his simulations in energy materials.
5. Laura Gagliardi, USA - Professor at the University of Chicago, specializing in molecular engineering in energy applications.

The final recipients of the prize will be determined by an esteemed international committee led by Nobel laureate Rae Kwon Chung. Chung expressed confidence that the innovative projects selected this year hold the potential to significantly influence global energy development in the decade ahead. His appreciation extends to all nominees who have made it onto this coveted shortlist, underscoring the growing importance and scope of modern energy science.

This announcement not only recognizes individual excellence but also highlights the collective progress of nations working towards sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the world's energy challenges. With the significance of energy evolving in today's climate, these contributions form a critical part of our transition to a sustainable future.