Global Energy Prize 2025 Awards
The prestigious Global Energy Prize has announced its winners for the 2025 edition, recognizing innovative contributions from three distinguished scientists across the globe: Jinliang He from China, Yu Huang from the United States, and Vladislav Khomich from Russia. These awards highlight the critical need for advancement in energy technologies, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable and efficient energy supply.
Winners and Their Contributions
Jinliang He - China
The award in the category of Conventional Energies goes to
Jinliang He, who is the president of the High Voltage Engineering Research Institute and a professor at Tsinghua University. He expressed that this honor is not just a recognition of his work but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of brilliant minds in the sector. By advancing ultra-high voltage transmission technologies, He underscores the importance of innovation in ensuring a secure and efficient energy future.
"This award symbolizes our collective aim to provide a sustainable energy supply for the world. I dedicate it to the amalgamation of innovation and cutting-edge technologies in ultra-high voltage systems," He stated during the announcement.
Yu Huang - United States
In a groundbreaking moment for the award's history,
Yu Huang has been recognized for her work in the Non-Conventional Energies category, making her the first woman to receive this honor. As a professor and department head at UCLA, Huang is being rewarded for her pioneering innovation in catalyst development. Her breakthroughs significantly enhance the profitability and performance of fuel cells, which are pivotal in the transition to a cleaner energy future.
"I am incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award. My team and I are dedicated to bridging the gap between discovery and application, transforming new materials into energy conversion and storage tools," Huang mentioned, emphasizing her team’s creativity and passion.
Vladislav Khomich - Russia
Vladislav Khomich, a leading researcher at the Institute of Electrophysics and Electricity at the Russian Academy of Sciences, has been awarded for his exceptional contributions in the realm of New Modes of Energy Application. His work has been instrumental in the development and foundational research of plasma technologies and pulsed energy, marking significant progress in these advanced fields.
Selection Process and Global Participation
The winners were selected from a competitive pool of 15 scientists representing 8 countries. The committee received a total of 90 nominations from 44 countries worldwide, demonstrating the global interest and urgency surrounding sustainable energy innovations.
Leading Judgment
The selection committee, chaired by
Rae Kwon Chung, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reiterated the pressing global challenges in science today. Chung noted,
"Addressing the impending challenges imposed by global warming and the transition to clean technologies for energy production, storage, and transmission will greatly define the future of humanity. We must work collaboratively to tackle these pressing issues."
Conclusion
As the world faces growing energy demands amidst climate change, the achievements recognized by the Global Energy Prize serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the quest for innovative energy solutions. The contributions of Jinliang He, Yu Huang, and Vladislav Khomich exemplify the potential of scientific advancements to foster a sustainable energy future. This recognition not only honors their individual achievements but also encourages a global movement towards environmentally responsible energy technologies.