Global Energy Prize laureates are our main achievements: Alexandr Ignatov

The Global Energy Association is primarily responsible for managing, coordinating and ultimately awarding the Global Energy Prize that is considered equivalent to the Noble Prize in the energy sector. The award was established in 2002 in Russia through the Global Energy Fund and with the support of the leading Russian energy companies. In the past 17 years, the Global Energy Prize has been awarded to 39 scientists and researchers of 13 countries around the world including Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the UK, and the USA.

Besides a hi-tech stand, the Global Energy Association also conducted a side event during the 24th World Energy Congress 2019 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi. In this event, six Global Energy Prize laureates shared their views on increased energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and clean technologies. Presently, the Noble Prize Laureate Mr. Rae Kwon Chung is the Chairman of the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee. He is also UN Secretary-General's High-level Expert and Leaders Panel (HELP) on water and disasters, Adviser to the Chair; Member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). As Russia is going to host the 25th World Energy Congress in 2022, the excitement was clearly visible on the faces of the Russian delegation. The St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) won the bid after a tough contest with Lisbon (Portugal) and Houston (USA).

Devdiscourse catches up with Mr. Alexandr Ignatov, President of the Global Energy Association during his visit to the 24^th World Energy Congress 2019 in Abu Dhabi. In an exclusive interview with our Associate Editor Siddheshwar Shukla, Mr. Ignatov shares his views on a wide range of issues related to the energy sector, world energy scenario and the 25th World Energy Congress to be held in St. Petersburg. As he speaks in Russian the interaction was facilitated by his Personal Assistant Ms. Irina Pshonik. The Edited Excerpts:

Siddheshwar Shukla: How is your experience in the 24th World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi?

Alexandr Ignatov: We have been preparing for the Congress since last year. Within the 24th World Energy Congress we present our stand with technological features, we also held our own session "Mission possible: the Global Energy Prize as a driver for sustainable energy for all", where our speakers estimated the crucial issues and trends in the energy field and presented their vision on solving these problems. Moreover, we delegated our experts to take part in key sessions of the Congress. They are

Rae Kwon Chung, the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee Chair; UN Secretary-General's High-level Expert and Leaders Panel (HELP) on water and disasters, Adviser to the Chair; Member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 and Rodney John Allam, the 2012 Global Energy Prize laureate, member of the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee, IPCC member awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Shukla: How do you think your energy solutions could make a change in the world energy scenario?

Ignatov: The Global Energy Association is not just the prize itself. It unites our laureates in the field of energy and also it helps to build a global network of experts. We have 39 laureates from 13 countries who are distinguished personalities in the fields of traditional energy, non-traditional energy, new ways of energy application. This year the 2019 Global Energy Prize will be awarded jointly to Mr. Khalil Amine (USA) for his outstanding contribution into the development of the efficient electrical energy storage technology and Mr. Frede Blaabjerg (Denmark) for his outstanding technical contributions to the design of power management systems enabling the integration of renewable power. Our organization is not just the Prize but a discussion platform, which unites energy experts from all over the world who have the best expertise in solving energy issues. The Global Energy Prize Summit is held annually. Last time it was held in Germany with the theme – Energy in the New Technological Cycle. Besides, a number of our excellent speakers participate on a regular basis in international forums that have an impact on the making solutions of the energy sector questions.

We also have– the Global Energy Youth Program. Within this program, young scientists can submit their projects in two nominations 'Idea' and 'Startup'. The goal of this program to inspire young innovators to communicate and participate in different platforms and forums, where they can show their input to the energy sector – energy solutions and developments.

The Video Interview: Click Here to View

Shukla: What have been your major achievements so far?

Ignatov: The Global Energy Prize has been awarded since 2003. Our main achievements are our laureates – the energy scientists. There are 39 Global Energy Prize laureates from 13 countries of the world including Russia, the USA, the UK, Australia, Japan, France, Italy, and etc. The prize is included in two rating systems. One is American the International Congress of Distinguished Awards (ICDA). In ICDA prestige rating the Global Energy Prize is in the category of "Mega Awards" for its laudable goals, exemplary practices and the overall prize fund (US 600 000 $).

Another is in the European region IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, the Global Energy Prize is one of the TOP-99 international academic awards with the highest prestige and significance.

Shukla: What message are you carrying from the 24th World Energy Congress?

Ignatov: Nowadays, we have a great opportunity to bring words experts together within such great forums, where people can easily exchange their experience, ideas and visions, which can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all United Nations.

The aims of the forum are achieving sustainable energy for all, affordable energy supply and living conditions. Last year during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin opened the forum with the point that 'it is a forum of trust'. Trust is the most important thing for honest and open communication. Openness will allow us to move forward. Nowadays, people are integrated into all different processes and combining all the great minds together will allow us to develop new technologies.

Shukla: How do you plan for further the global expansion of your technologies and energy solutions?

Ignatov: First of all, our experts and laureates are expressing their minds at various platforms where they transfer their messages. Then they discuss their ideas in our International Award Committee meetings. Thus, they will be able to transport their ideas to the people so they could know what technologies are coming in and what are the best ways to have a good future. That is why we are making dialogue and we think that with the help of this dialogue the world will be much better.

Shukla: As the 25th World Energy Congress 2022 will be held in St. Petersburg (Russia); how do you see the opportunity?

Ignatov: It's a really great event for us. St. Petersburg is going to host the 25th World Energy Congress. A big Expo Center was developed. It was built in St.Petersburg, which allows hosting such great and honourable event. Russia has always been a gateway for global solutions to worldwide problems.

We had recently held the Olympic Games and the World Football Cup as well. Great infrastructure was built. Mr. Aleksandr Novak, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, said yesterday that it would be really wonderful and great to help everyone in the 25th Congress of 2022.

And, the work for the Congress has already started. We communicate with companies that are already making preparations for the Congress. We are really welcoming, every one of you to the 25th World Energy Congress 2022 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Thank you!!