Top Zayed Energy prize awarded to LED light inventor

The father of LED lights — or energy efficient bulbs — Shuji Nakamura, a Japanese electronic engineer, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2018.
Nakamura, who is widely known as the inventor of the blue LED light, received the prestigious award from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed presented awards to nine winners of the Zayed Prize at the awards ceremony during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking the historic 10th anniversary of the world’s preeminent sustainability award and 2018 as the Year of Zayed.
The ceremony was marked by the participation of Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, president of Mauritania, and Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “2018 marks a momentous year for the UAE. It will see the nation coming together to commemorate the Year of Zayed and be reminded of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed’s wisdom, benevolence and leadership. His environmental stewardship continues to shape the development of our nation, guiding it to greater heights while inspiring sustainability initiatives globally.
“His legacy lives on through initiatives such as the Zayed Future Energy Prize that was created to honour him, and the impactful actions of its winners. It truly is heartening to witness the prize’s far-reaching impact across the world in the last decade, improving energy access, quality of life and the environment through innovations in clean technology.”
After receiving his award, Nakamura said: “I am so grateful to the UAE and its leaders for working tirelessly towards a sustainable future and for honouring me with this prestigious award.”
In the key note speech, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, said the Zayed Future Energy Prize has been significant in the promotion of the green energy initiatives and for changing people’s lives globally.
“Over the last decade, this platform — initiated in line with the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and the vision of our leaders — has inspired leaders, governments and industries to work collectively towards reaching a better tomorrow and set rules for the next generation,” said Al Jaber.
“The UAE, through Masdar and other institutions and initiatives, has been at the forefront of developing and globally promoting a truly sustainable and renewable energy. Today, we have the means and technologies to achieve better sustainability.”
The minister also spoke about the importance of empowering young people through educating them about the need for sustainability and renewable energy and involving them in all work towards a sustainable future to keep them ahead of the path.
“Investing in the youth is very important because they can easily adapt to the new era. The future of the world lies in the hands of young people and this year’s event is about the next generation,” said Al Jaber.
He added that Sheikh Zayed’s vision towards a sustainable future has greatly taken the UAE and other countries globally to greater heights towards energy transformation and use of green energy.
Winners from other four categories of the Zayed Future Energy Prize including; the Global High Schools, the Non-Profit Organisation, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and the Large Corporation category were also given awards. The winners from each category received $100,000 (Dh367,000).
ismail@khaleejtimes.com