On 26 and 27 May 2008 the EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. Globe Award 2008 Gala and Conference took place in Brussels in Parliament’s plenary chamber. Projects from around the world promoting the use of clean and renewable energiesRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. competed in five different categories: Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Youth. The Energy Globes rewards local and regional projects that contribute to energy conservationAll the measures taken to lower the level of energy consumption., environmental protection, or the supply of basic resources such as water and electricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons. to remote and poor communities. 109 countries participated in the 2008.

The ceremony was hosted by actress Désirée Nosbusch. Guests included ex-UNThe United Nations Organization (UNO) is an international organization that focuses on facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace. It was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace ... Secretary General Kofi Annan, India’s former environment minister Maneka Gandhi and Indian film star Aamir Khan. The gala will included performances by singers Dionne Warwick, Zucchero and Alanis Morissette.

The winners of the Energy Globe Awards are:

• Mikhail Gorbachev received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his work with the “Green Cross Foundation”.
• Energy Globe World Award: Austria (CO2 free transport logistic solution (Fronius))
• Category Earth: Peru (Sustainable solid waste management program)
• Category Fire: Spain (Andasol solar power plant projects)
• Category Air: Austria (Fronius demonstrates a CO₂-free transport logistic solution)
• Category Water: Mozambique (Helvatas ensures sustainable water supply)
• Category Youth: South Africa (Action-based program triggers lifestyle choices concerning climate change)

Below you can find some pictures from the TV-Gala:

[Show as slideshow]

On the second day the very well attended conference with speeches from Mr. Gorbachev, Mr. Kofi Annan, Ms. Ghandi, European Parliament President Hans Gert Pöttering and several other high level representatives took place. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s key message was: Stop exploiting energy “as if there’s no tomorrow”. Pöttering stated that “More effective energyEnergy actually useful to a costumer, such as light or heat in a house. use is something we can easily achieve” and told the audience about the “20/20/20” programme of the EU (reduce greenhouse gasesGreenhouse gas emissions cause dangerous anthropogenic climate change. Emissions include CO2, fluoridated gases, methane which are emitted by human activity such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, and water vapour. by at least 20% and increase to 20% the share of renewable energies in the energy consumption(Final) energy consumption includes all energy supplied to to final user and includes all sectors, such as households, industries, agriculture…. by 2020) He added that the twenty percent increase in energy efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less., “is completely attainable (…) without a drop in well being or production”.

The next call for projects for the Energy Globe Award 2009 is taking place now and you can find more information on the REEEP Website