Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas was awarded the 2011 Zayed Future Energy Prize in recognition of the company's "outstanding leadership to pioneer wind energy, even during periods where demand for renewable energy waned," the jury said.
The prize of 1.5 million U.S. dollars was promptly donated by Ditlev Engel, the Vestas CEO. Half to the newly established NGO, WindMade, founded by Vestas together with the UN Global Compact, WWF, GWEC, Bloomberg, LEGO and PwC. The remaining $ 750,000 was equally divided between number four, five and six in the final. They can look forward to each receive $ 250,000 – earmarked for use that supports the recipient's development in renewable energy.
First awarded in 2009, the Zayed Future Energy Prize was created in honor of the legacy of the late founding father and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and has now become one of the most prestigious energy prizes.
