OREANDA-NEWS A key to decarbonizing the energy sector lies in accelerating technological innovation and deploying clean energy technologies. But despite a few recent successes, clean-energy progress is falling short of the levels needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet global climate targets.

While governments have a key role to play in creating market opportunities and sending clear signals to innovators and drive investment, many others have a role to play, including corporations, non-profit organisations, and start-ups.

To that effect, the IEA is proud to highlight a new initiative that aims to bridge this gap -- The Start Up Energy Transition Award. This award aims to link start-ups, non-profits, corporations, investors and the public sector to showcase innovations across a variety of categories: urban energy transition, clean-tech against climate change, future production and manufacturing, mobility means energy transition, platforms and communities, and a special prize on energy poverty.

“Energy technology innovation represents a crucial element of the global transition to secure, sustainable, affordable energy systems,” said Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director. Dr Birol will serve as an Ambassador for the award, along with other energy and climate experts, including Adnan Amin, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC.

Applications close on 31 January 2017. More information is available on the Start Up Energy Transition Award website.