The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy are seeking inspirational and innovative local sustainable energy projects based in countries with developing economies. Entry is free, and up to seven winners will receive £20,000 each in prize money for project development, with one Energy Champion awarded £40,000. The Awards will be presented at a VIP ceremony in London in June 2009. The application form is online at http://www.ashdenawards.org/int_awards.

Benefits of an international Ashden Award include:

• Prize money of up to £40,000.
• The chance to bring your sustainable energy solutions into the international arena.
• Continuing development support where appropriate.
• A documentary film about your award-winning work.
• Media exposure.

We know that when it comes to developing cleaner, sustainable energy solutions, some of the most ingenious and practical ideas are coming out of rural communities in the developing world.

What does it take to be a winner?

The projects must:

• Be up and running, delivering sustainable energy at a local level for at least one year.
• Benefit the environment.
• Be technically rigorous.
• Have an element of innovation.
• Make a genuine difference to local peoples’ lives, both socially and economically.
• Be replicable and help encourage the widespread uptake of local, sustainable energy. 

Awards are given for the service to communities provided by the use of sustainable energy, rather than for the technology used. Award-winning work will provide services in one or more of the following areas: food security; health, education and welfare; light and power for homes and businesses; enterprise.

Examples of past winners

Past winners have used various technologies to deliver a number of benefits to local communities and achieve carbon savings, including fuel-efficient stoves, micro-hydro plants, biogas plants, solar energy systems and water pumps. Many are doing this by boosting local peoples’ income, providing employment or training, installing lighting for schoolwork and even improving women’s status in their community. Details of the 2008 International winners, including short films, are online at http://www.ashdenawards.org/international_winners_2008

Supporters of the Awards include Ashden Awards Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, Prof. Wangari Maathai, former US Vice-President Al Gore, and Jonathan Porritt CBE.

Timetable for the Ashden Awards 2009

21 October 2008
Deadline for receipt of Expression of Interest forms. All forms will be acknowledged within seven days.

13 November 2008
Up to 25 applicants will be invited to submit a full application, and will be sent a form and specific questions. All other Expression of Interest applicants will be notified.

11 December 2008
Deadline for receipt of full applications. All applications will be acknowledged within seven days.

6 January 2009
Deadline for receipt of references for full applications.

Early February 2009
First meeting of International judging panel to select about 10 applications for shortlist. All other full applicants will be notified.

February and March 2009
Judges and assessors visit short-listed applicants.

Early April 2009
Second meeting of International judging panel to select up to eight finalists. All other short-listed applicants will be notified.

April and May 2009
Preparation of publicity and technical information about finalists.

Mid June 2009
Finalists to London for interviews, Awards ceremony, seminars and publicity activities.

For further information and application forms visit www.ashdenawards.org, or contact Jane Howarth tel. + 44 (0)20 7410 7023. Email: info@ashdenawards.org