The “REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award” recognises the contributions of young pioneers of renewable energy in developing countries, in honour of the life’s work of Steve Sawyer. Winners work in the frontiers of the renewable energy revolution in their respective countries, in the public sector, private sector or civil society. 

They have the potential to become the energy leaders of tomorrow.

Award Pillars

The “REvolutionaries” award is centred around three main pillars which reflect the values and mission of Steve Sawyer.

 

The “REvolutionaries” award has a different regional focus for each annual program cycle, reflecting Steve Sawyer’s global footprint and lasting impact on the worldwide renewable energy community. In 2023, the programme will award a recipient whose work targets a country or countries in South East Asia.

Geography

Emerging markets in Africa, South East Asia and Latin America

Guiding Principles

Leadership, renewable energy, innovation, scalability and diversity

Theme

Young leaders at the frontiers of the renewable energy revolution

Prize

Winners will receive a comprehensive prize package emphasising investment, study and thought leadership.

Investment

Study

Thought Leadership

Who can apply?

In 2023, the program will focus on renewable energy leaders in South East Asia, working in the public sector, private sector or civil society. Applicants must work in, or their work must target, one or several countries in South East Asia.

 

Application requirements include: 

  • Age 35 and under in the year of application;

  • 5+ years of professional experience;

  • A track record of leadership and achievement in professional career; and

  • Professional working proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Applicants must also demonstrate the Guiding Principles of the programme:

Leadership

A track record of self-starting and professional leadership positions.

Renewable Energy

Advancing deployment of wind and renewable energy via policy campaigns, science or modelling, technology implementation, financing mechanisms or otherwise.

Innovation

Activities reflect innovation in thinking, design, technology or methodology, encouraging progress beyond the status quo.

Scalability

Leading scalable activities, with the potential to expand to other communities and create larger impacts.

Diversity

Candidates’ work reflects or factors in diversity (gender, ethnicity, marginalised community, or other) in its approach, impact or otherwise.

Applications for the South East Asia edition of the award (2023) are now open.

Selection Process

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a Jury composed of individuals with deep insight into Steve’s personal and professional values. They collectively represent members of Steve’s family, GWEC, REN21 and Greenpeace, as well as a clean energy leader from the relevant region. 

 

Applications are judged on a point-based system, with up to 5 points awarded for each of the five Guiding Principles, for a potential total of 25 points. Applicants are also required to submit a short personal statement on their use of prize funds, which will be considered in the context of the entire application package, and will not be allocated points.

 

Following verification of references, a shortlist of finalists undergoes another round of judging on a point-based system. In the event of a tie, the Jury will determine the winner upon deliberation.

Timeline

Date TBA (Extended until we receive a sufficient pool of eligible submissions for a fair competition)

Application period

Date TBA (Extended until we receive a sufficient pool of eligible submissions for a fair competition)

Two months after application closes

Adjudication period

Two months after application closes

Third month after application closes

Winner notified

Third month after application closes

Fourth month after application closes

Winner announced

Fourth month after application closes

To be announced

Award ceremony at industry event

To be announced

Founding Partners

Contact