Amitabh Sadangi joint runner-up at Zayed Energy Prize

Indian social entrepreneur Amitabha Sadangi, CEO of International Development Enterprises India, who has taken low-cost farming technologies to a new eco-friendly level, has finished as one of the two runners-up at the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2010.

He was chosen for the successful deployment of low-cost irrigation technology to farmers in India. This technology, which has reached over one million farmers, has resulted in diesel savings of 533 million litres and a reduction in carbon emissions of 1.8 million tonnes.

Mr Sadangi received his award of $ 350,000 at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi from Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Armed Forces (UAE) Armed Forces.

The grand prize went to Toyota Motor Corporation. It got $ 1.5 million, while the other runner-up Zhengrong Shi, founder and CEO of Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, China, also got $ 350,000.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize jury, which consisted of leading international renewable energy experts, selected Sadangi as a finalist due to the widespread benefits his technology has provided across India, while promoting environmental conservation, a press release issued here today

"The deployment of the irrigation technology has resulted in savings of 3146 million cubic litres of water and 417 million kilowatts of electricity. Overall, five million people have benefitted in terms of increased income security and environmental well-being," it said.

"I am honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the Zayed Future Energy Prize. IDEI has immersed itself into developing and implementing low-cost, environment-friendly technologies which are easy to use, thereby providing widespread benefits, and we are pleased that this has been recognised on an international platform," Mr Sadangi said.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize said: "The calibre of entries has been phenomenal and the jury had tough choices to make in narrowing the selection down to three finalists. The chosen finalists are recognised for their dedicated efforts towards creating a sustainable future for the world, and we are delighted to support them by providing a platform for global recognition and further innovation."

Toyota Motor Corporation was selected as the winner for its ground breaking fuel efficiency system of the third-generation Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The original Prius was launched in 1997. In in the last 13 years, it has saved around seven million tonnes of carbon dioxide from polluting the atmosphere due to its fuel efficient technology.

The joint runner-up Zhengrong Shi, Founder and CEO of Suntech Power Holdings Company, was selected for the establishment of Suntech in September 2001 which has since grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of silicon solar modules. Shi has dedicated his efforts to making solar energy a viable alternative to traditional electricity and increasing its adoption across the globe.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize was created in 2008 to recognize and inspire innovators in renewable energy from around the world and to honour of the legacy of late UAE President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The prize aims to inspire the next generation of global energy innovators, creating solutions for the future. It is awarded annually to up to three individuals, companies, organisations and/or NGOs that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy, climate change and sustainability.

NNN