In his welcoming address, Henri Kox, former head of EUROSOLAR Luxembourg and newly designated Minister of Housing, stated: „The Energy Transition is a major challenge for our society. It can only be achieved when we pool our efforts and our ideas, learn from each other and work together to make lasting changes. Only then will we create a sustainable future. I welcome you all to find inspiration from our renewable energy pioneers today.”
In his opening speech, Prof. Peter Droege, president of EUROSOLAR e.V. pointed out the importance of civic dedication to the energy revolution: „I am glad that today we were able to honour people who are working on solutions for local and regional energy system transformations. Whether it is a church, industry or youth movement: all prize winners have innovations in common that are practical and sustainable. Their projects serve as forward-looking examples of renewable energies in Europe“
Prior to the awarding, Prof. Stéphane Pallage Rector of the University of Luxembourg emphasized the key role universities play in the fight against climate change and for the energy transition. Prof. Susanne Siebentritt from the University of Luxembourg gave an insight into research and development in the field of renewable energy. After a lively discussion with speakers and audience, Prof. Peter Droege presented the proud award winners. The evening ended in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks, snacks and informal chat.
The European Solar Prize 2019 will be awarded to eight laureates:
Category: Towns, municipalities, council districts, public utilities
• Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Ireland
Outstanding joint commitment to a sustainable community life
Category: Solar architecture and urban planning
• The High School for Health Professionals, Luxembourg
First public school in Luxembourg built to the ambitious technical standard of a Positive Energy Building
Category: Industrial and commercial companies or farmers
• Industrial Solar GmbH, Germany
Innovative solar process steam generation for industrial heating and cooling
Category: Local or regional associations / organisations
• Schoonschip, Netherlands
Sustainable floating neighbourhood in Amsterdam based on the shared use of renewable resources
Category: Owners and operators of renewable energy installations
• The church St. Franziskus Ebmatingen, Switzerland
Role model for harnessing the solar potential of churches
Category: Education and vocational training
• International student residence “mineroom”, Austria
Raising students‘ awareness of sustainable living based on renewable energies
Category: One World Cooperation
• SUNfarming GmbH, Germany
Combining the production of green electricity and food for and with local communities
Category: Special achievement prize for individual commitment
• Fridays For Future, International
Creating a world-wide youth movement advocating the immediate need to tackle climate change
In previous years the award ceremony took place in Bonn, hometown of EUROSOLAR e.V., Vienna, Barcelona and Prague. Since 1994, the prize has been awarded annually to municipalities, municipal companies, associations and organisations, architects, journalists and private individuals in cooperation with the national sections of EUROSOLAR. The award recognises the dedication and inventiveness of regional players and provides new impetus for a regenerative and decentralised energy revolution in Europe.
More information: www.eurosolar.org
Notes for press editors
The detailed appreciations and pictures of the award winners can be found in here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kukaam2ui7sezji/AABIlDYJa29R45cq82PdEeILa?dl=0
Pictures of the event are available by Monday, 18 November, from 2 pm at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eurosolar/albums/72157706032889714
Press contact
EUROSOLAR – The European Association for Renewable Energy e.V.
Phone.: +49 228 / 36 23 75
Mail: sp@eurosolar.de
www.eurosolar.org
Members of the Jury
Prof. Peter Droege President of EUROSOLAR, Principality of Liechtenstein
Dr. Axel Berg EUROSOLAR Germany
Gallus Cadonau Solar Agency Switzerland
Prof. Eliana Cangelli EUROSOLAR Italy
Johannes Hegger hhs architects, Germany
Andre Langwost EUROSOLAR France
Henri Kox EUROSOLAR Luxembourg
Jennifer McIntosh International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
Wolfgang Hein EUROSOLAR Austria
Prof. Jürgen Sachau University of Luxembourg