Deadline for applications 23 October 2012
Renewable energy programmes and enterprises that will help vulnerable
small island developing states transition to sustainable sources of
power are today invited to enter for a new Awards category launched by
leading green energy charity Ashden and supported by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program and SIDS DOCK.
Entry for the awards is free, with two winners to receive prize money
of £20,000 each, to be awarded at a prestigious ceremony in London in
June 2013. Two runners-up will receive up to £5,000 each.
Says Ashden Founder Director Sarah Butler-Sloss: “Small island states
across the world are particularly vulnerable to sea level rises
triggered by climate change as well as to oil price shocks. Yet
ironically these countries often have abundant renewable energy sources
available to them, including wind, sun, water and geothermal energy.
“Through these new Awards, which we are excited to launch today in
collaboration with the World Bank and SIDS DOCK, we aim to uncover the
very best examples of renewable energy or energy efficiency programmes
and enterprises that are helping these vulnerable islands maximise the
potential of their renewable energy resources and end their dependence
on fossil fuels.”
"Small island states have unique energy challenges.
Renewable energy solutions, while enabling access, also mitigate
vulnerability to high fuel costs and associated price volatility,” said
Vijay Iyer, Director of the World Bank’s Sustainable Energy Department.
“In partnership with Ashden, we are excited to promote and recognise
innovative solutions by sustainable energy pioneers."
As well as prize money, winners of the awards will also receive a
package of benefits and tailored support designed to help them scale up
their work; a platform to promote their work through events and media
coverage; media materials; and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning
through the Ashden Alumni Network.
For further information and to apply for a 2013 Award, visit www.ashden.org/small-island_
awards
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The Ashden Awards were set up in 2001 to champion practical, local
energy solutions that cut carbon, protect the environment, reduce
poverty and improve people’s lives. Since then they have rewarded and
supported more than 140 winners across the UK and the developing world.
For further information, including photos, films, and case studies on
past winners, go to www.ashden.org
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The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding
and knowledge for developing countries. It comprises five closely
associated institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA),
which together form the World Bank; the International Finance
Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA);
and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(ICSID). Each institution plays a distinct role in the mission to fight
poverty and improve living standards for people in the developing world.
For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org and www.ifc.org
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The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP)
is a global knowledge and technical assistance program that assists low-
and middle-income countries to achieve environmentally sustainable
energy solutions for poverty reduction and economic growth. ESMAP is
funded by the governments of Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and
the United Kingdom
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SIDS DOCK is an initiative among member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to provide the Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
with a collective institutional mechanism to assist them transform
their national energy sectors into a catalyst for sustainable economic
development and help generate financial resources to address adaptation
to climate change. SIDS DOCK helps small island states to develop and
deploy renewable energy and energy efficiency through multiple
initiatives aimed at reducing both fossil fuel imports and greenhouse
gas emissions. The SIDS DOCK programme is jointly managed by UNDP and
ESMAP. Initial funding of US$14.5 million for SIDS DOCK has come from
the Government of Denmark. For more information, please visit www.sidsdock.org
