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Energy Globe Award

EUR 10,000 per international category winner

RollingWebsiteEst. 1999

PrizeRecognitionEnergyenvironmentWaterClimateAgricultureEducationAll Stages

Strong Climate Lens

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The Energy Globe Award is the world's most prestigious environmental and sustainability award, presented annually in 180+ countries. Projects are awarded in five categories: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Youth, plus a rotating special category. Each participating country selects a National Energy Globe winner, and international winners receive EUR 10,000 each. Founded in 1999 by Austrian energy pioneer Wolfgang Neumann.

What You Get

International Cash Prize

EUR 10,000 for each international category winner (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Youth)

National Energy Globe Award

Best project in each participating country receives the National Energy Globe Award with media coverage

Global Visibility

Featured on Energy Globe's global online platform reaching 180+ countries

National Media Coverage

National winners receive press coverage in their home country

Award Ceremony

International winners presented at the annual Energy Globe Award ceremony

Project Database

All submitted projects added to the 40,000+ project database, creating visibility and networking opportunities

How to Apply

Prepare your project submission using the provided checklist (downloadable as Word or PDF from the website). Complete the online application form at energyglobe.info/participate/application-form. Submission is free of charge. Applications can be submitted in English or German. One applicant can submit multiple projects. Only projects that have been implemented or are nearing completion are eligible.

Geographic Focus

Global

Decision Timeline

Varies by cycle. Typically 3-6 months from submission to national award announcement. International winners announced at annual ceremony.

Key Dates

Year-roundSubmissions accepted on a rolling basis

AnnualNational Energy Globe Awards announced per country

AnnualInternational Energy Globe Award ceremony (date varies)

Eligibility

Open to any individual, company, NGO, club, school, university, or public authority
Project must address environmental sustainability (resource conservation, air/water quality, energy efficiency, renewables, or awareness)
Project must be implemented or nearing completion — concepts alone are not eligible
Can submit from any country (180+ countries participate)
No application fee
Application language: English or German

Traction Required

MVP to revenue depending on stage

Team Requirements

Strong founding team

Selection Criteria

Environmental impact and contribution to sustainability
Innovation and creativity of the approach
Replicability and scalability potential
Degree of implementation and measurable results
Alignment with award categories (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Youth)

Focus Areas

Earth

Projects focused on land use, soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and terrestrial ecosystems

Fire

Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable energy solutions

Water

Water conservation, purification, access, and sustainable water management

Air

Air quality improvement, emissions reduction, and clean air initiatives

Youth

Environmental projects led by or primarily involving young people

What They Look For

Implemented projects that provide concrete solutions to environmental challenges — resource conservation, renewable energy, water/air quality, energy efficiency, or sustainability awareness campaigns. Projects from all scales welcome, from community initiatives to national infrastructure. Strong African representation historically, with national winners in countries like Rwanda (WakaWaka Solar Libraries). Projects must show real-world results, not just concepts.

Post-Investment Support

Inclusion in the Energy Globe project database (40,000+ projects), global media visibility, networking with other award winners, and ongoing platform presence on energyglobe.info.

Red Flags to Watch

Check current fund status and deployment activity

Insider Tip

The National Energy Globe is often easier to win than the international prize and still provides significant visibility. Projects from Africa are well-represented — past winners include WakaWaka (Rwanda). Submit in the most specific category that fits your project. Focus your application on measurable, implemented results rather than ambition. The Youth category is less competitive and suitable for university-led projects.

1999

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Notable Investments

WakaWaka — Solar Libraries, National Winner Rwanda 2020; 40,000+ projects submitted across 180+ countries since 1999