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 2021 and 2022, the programme will award a recipient whose work targets a country or countries in Latin America.
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
- A monetary prize of EUR 4,000, in recognition of the recipient’s awarded activities.
- The use of prize funds will be considered among application criteria, although there is no requirement to re-invest prize money in the applicant’s professional activities.
Study
- Funded travel, accommodation and conference pass to a regional renewable energy event (up to the value of EUR 1,000), organised by GWEC.
- An opportunity to share insights with industry, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders of the energy transition during an award ceremony.
Thought Leadership
- Communications support to build your profile, expand your network and promote your relevant professional activities via GWEC media channels and media partners.
- Press and social media engagement before, during and after the regional renewable energy event.
- A dedicated webpage on the GWEC website.
Who can apply?
In 2021 and 2022, the program will focus on renewable energy leaders in Latin America, working in the public sector, private sector or civil society. Applicants must work in, or their work must target, one or several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (countries defined as Central and South America and Mexico).
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 Latin America edition of the award (2021-2022) have now closed, as of February 2022.
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
Founding Partners
