Global Energy Prize Honors Outstanding Contributions from Scientists in China, USA, and Russia
Global Energy Prize 2025: Celebrating Energy Innovation
The International Committee of the Global Energy Prize has recently announced the laureates for the 2025 edition, celebrating remarkable contributions to the field of energy science. This prestigious award recognizes scholars from across the globe who are shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. This year’s winners are Jinliang He from China, Yu Huang from the United States, and Vladislav Khomich from Russia, each honored for their groundbreaking research in various energy domains.
Jinliang He: Leader in Conventional Energy
Jinliang He, Chairman of the High Voltage Research Institute and Professor at Tsinghua University in China, was awarded the prize in the category of Conventional Energy. In his remarks, He emphasized that this recognition underscores not just his personal efforts but the collective hard work of brilliant minds striving for sustainable energy solutions. He stated, "This recognition not only honors my work but also the joint efforts of exceptional individuals committed to providing the world safe and efficient energy. I dedicate this award to the integration of innovation and advanced technologies in ultra-high voltage transmission systems."
He’s research focuses on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of high voltage power systems, which are crucial to the generation and distribution of electricity, particularly in renewable energy contexts. His innovations are pivotal as the world moves towards greener energy strategies.
Yu Huang: Pioneer in Non-Conventional Energy
For the first time in the history of the Global Energy Prize, the award in the Non-Conventional Energy category has been granted to a woman, Yu Huang, a Professor and Department Chair at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Huang was recognized for her innovative contributions to catalyst development, which significantly enhance the economic viability, durability, and performance of fuel cells. "I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. My team is dedicated to developing designer catalysts and bridging the gap between discovery and practical application by utilizing new materials for energy conversion and storage," Huang expressed.
Her research addresses critical needs in clean energy technology, including ways to enhance energy efficiency and lower costs associated with renewable energy systems, making her work vital in combating climate change.
Vladislav Khomich: Advancing Energy Applications
From Russia, Vladislav Khomich, Head of Research at the Institute for Electrophysics and Electric Power of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), was awarded for his outstanding contributions in the category of New Ways of Energy Application. He’s research into plasma technologies and pulsed energy systems positions him at the forefront of innovative energy applications. Khomich's work is essential for identifying alternative energy solutions that can lead to breakthroughs in energy storage and energy management systems.
Global Nomination Process and Committee Insights
The winners were selected from a shortlist of 15 scientists hailing from eight different countries, - showcasing the international essence of the award. In total, 90 submissions from 44 countries and regions were considered. The final decision was made by a committee led by Rae Kwon Chung, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He highlighted, "Global science faces global challenges, and it is not an exaggeration to say that our ability to resolve these swiftly will determine the future of civilization. Major challenges include the transition to clean technologies for energy generation, storage, and transmission, as well as finding effective solutions to combat global climate change."
With this year’s accolades, the Global Energy Prize continues to shine a light on the vital role of scientific innovation in addressing some of the most pressing energy concerns of our time. These awards serve not only to acknowledge the hard work of these scientists but also to inspire future generations in the energy sector.
As we move forward, the contributions of Jinliang He, Yu Huang, and Vladislav Khomich will undeniably play a significant role in shaping sustainable energy practices worldwide.