NAIROBI, Kenya- The Global Energy Prize for 2024 has recognized three remarkable scientists for their groundbreaking contributions to energy innovation.
Zi-Qiang Zhu from the University of Sheffield, Héctor D. Abruña from Cornell University, and Minggao Ouyang from Tsinghua University have each been awarded for their exceptional work in different categories of energy research.
Zi-Qiang Zhu, head of the Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group at the University of Sheffield, has been honored in the Traditional Energy category.
Zhu’s work has significantly advanced electrified transportation, improved the energy efficiency of domestic appliances, and reduced emissions in electric power generation and utilization.
His contributions are pivotal in pushing the boundaries of how we manage and utilize electric power in everyday applications.
Héctor D. Abruña, the Emile Chamot Professor of Chemistry at Cornell University, won in the Non-Traditional Energy category.
Abruña’s foundational contributions span electrochemistry, batteries, fuel cells, and molecular electronics.
His innovative research has been instrumental in the development of sustainable energy storage solutions and advanced electronic materials.
In the New Ways of Energy Application category, Minggao Ouyang, a professor at Tsinghua University, has been recognized for his technical leadership in the strategic planning, research, demonstration, and commercialization of new energy vehicles.
Ouyang’s work addresses critical challenges such as hydrogen fuel cell durability, lithium-ion battery safety, and vehicle-to-grid interaction, marking significant strides towards a sustainable automotive future.
The announcement ceremony, attended by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rae Kwon Chung and members of the International Award Committee, highlighted the global importance of the laureates’ research.
The committee comprising scientists from 13 countries selected these winners for their outstanding contributions to both fundamental and applied energy science.
