Zayed Future Energy Prize

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Tuesday presented the 2012 Zayed Future Energy Prize to three winners and two runners up.Carbon Disclosure Project based in the UK secured the top award of $1.5 million while India's Orb Energy was the runner up with a cash prize of $1 million, followed by Environmental Defence Fund of the US getting $500,000.

 Dr Ashok Gadgil from the US won the Lifetime Achievement award while French company Schneider Electric received a Recognition Award in the Large Corporations category.

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed at the prestigious award said:  "The Zayed Future Energy Prize has become a beacon of light, stimulating thinkers and creators while encouraging the world to accelerate innovation in renewable energy and sustainability.This Prize is a clear manifestation of the vision of the late founding father of the UAE,Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed a priority on investing in human capital and the preservation of our natural resources for generations to come."

"Encouraging these innovators allows us keep them motivated, and as such, ensures that our communities keep benefiting from their inventions. In light of the challenges facing the world today be it energy security or safeguarding our natural resources  these innovators offer their concerted efforts. The United Arab Emirates, led by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to exerting every effort towards encouraging such ambitious initiatives aimed at improving our collective quality of life."

Paul Dickinson, Executive Chairman of the Carbon Disclosure Project told media we expect this award would give a further boost for our firm.He also said the company, which has offices all around the world, has been pushing to increase its presence in the Middle East and Gulf Region. "If we are the winner of this top award, it would be a great achievement," he said.Abu Dhabi Investment Authority the sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, Monday expressed "keen interest" in increasing investment in India, especially in infrastructure sector.

"This is an opportunity to enter this huge market," said Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, who is on a visit here.

Sheikh Hamed discussed the investment opportunities with Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma during a meeting at Udyog Bhawan here.

"We will be very happy to see your participation in Indias infrastructure building, Sharma said.

The two country have agreed to set up a joint working group to facilitate the flow of investments, commerce and industry ministry said in a statement after the meeting.