Minister of Energy travels to Abu Dhabi, 12 to 16 December 2011 to honour an invitation from the Zayed Future Energy Prize

The Zayed Future Energy Prize is an initiative that represents the vision of the Founding Father and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Sahyan who championed environmental stewardship. This annual award celebrates the achievement that reflects innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. 

Ms Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Energy had the pleasure of being nominated as Jury member to champion the commitment to finding solutions that will meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment. In this role, she joins other Green activists who have been selected as part of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. 

The Zayed Future Energy Prize aims to incentivise, encourage and become a catalyst for the ingoing development of renewable energy and clean technology. The jury will convene later this year as the final judging panel in a four-tiered open process that selects the prize winners and finalists who will be honoured at an Award Ceremony in Abu Dhabi on the 17 January 2012. 

The Zayed Future Energy prize or ZFEP is an annual competition to honour individuals; organisations and non-governmental organisation for excellence in the innovation, development and implementation of renewable and sustainable Energy solutions.

The ZFEP, with a total prize fund of USD 4 million annually is hosted by the MASDAR under the patronage of His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.

Ms Peters was selected to form part of the Jury alongside: 
1. H.E Mohammed Nasheed, President of the Republic of Maldives,
2. Mr Timothy Wirth, President of the UN Foundation,
3. Mr Leonardo di Caprio, Award Winning actor and environmentalist,
4. Mr Andre Agassi, Grand Slam tennis champion and Founder of the Andre Agassi Foundation, and;
5. Ms Cherie Blair, former British First Lady and Founder of the Cherie Blair foundation.

Given our stated country objectives towards a clean and sustainable energy future, Ms Peters will be out of the country from the 12 to 16 December at which period, Mr Malusi Gigaba, the Minister of Public Enterprises, will act as the Minister of Energy during the period of her absence from the Republic. 

Enquiries:
Zodwa Batyashe
Cell: 082 455 9796