European Solar Prize 2018 awarded in the EUROSOLAR-hometown of Bonn

Within the framework of the 30th anniversary of EUROSOLAR and the associated annual partnership with the city of Bonn, this yera's edition of the European Solar Prize took place at the Kunstmuseum Bonn, Germany. Eight ground-breaking projects for the energy transition from six different nations have been honored in eight categrories.

For EUROSOLAR President and Chairman of the Jury, Prof. Peter Droege, the award-winning projects are examples of a functioning energy system transformation in a wide variety of application areas. "The consequences of climate change are now more visible than ever and the urgency to combat it is at its peak. Therefore 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 community, industry or student competition: all prize winners have innovations in common that are practical and sustainable. Their projects serve as forward-looking examples of renewable energies in Europe," said Prof. Droege.

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.

• Official press release
• Pictures of the event
• Winners brochure
  
  

The European Solar Prize 2018 goes to:

Le Mené, France Outstanding commitment and holistic approach to covering the community’s energy needs with 100 % renewables generated on a local scale. www.mene.fr

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland Architecturally perfect integrated solar plant on the industrial hall in Stans to meet the energy needs of the aircraft production. www.pilatus-aircraft.com

S&H Connect GmbH, Austria Successful concept for exploiting the potential of using solar energy on the roofs of municipal facilities and industrial buildings. www.shconnect.at

Low Carbon Hub, United Kingdom Pioneering model of a citizen-driven, social enterprise that enables a community-owned renewable energy supply in Oxfordshire. www.lowcarbonhub.org

Plus-Energy-Settlement Zentrum Tobel, Switzerland Trend-setting example of the social and economic integration of tenants into the use of solar energy. zentrumtobel.ch

Ostseestaal GmbH & Co. KG, Germany Solar Electric Car Ferry ‘Sankta Maria II’ as visionary example of emission-free water transport and wakeup call for the European ship industry. ostseestaal.com

Energy Endeavour Foundation, Netherlands Stewarding the Solar Decathlon Europe, the far-reaching student competition to raise awareness in the field of innovative and resource-responsible architecture with a political effect in Europe and the U.S. energyendeavour.org

Comet-ME, Israel Outstanding commitment in the sustainable electrification of marginalized communities in the occupied Palestinian territories. comet-me.org

About the European Solar Prize

The European Solar Prize Award was established in 1994 by EUROSOLAR in cooperation with its national sections. It has since been handed out every year to towns and municipalities, community businesses, associations or organizations, architects, journalists and individuals for their extraordinary accomplishments and significant contributions to the use and expansion of renewable energy in Europe. With the Solar Prize EUROSOLAR recognizes outstanding commitment to renewable energy.

The prize is given to make pioneers and leaders the focus of public attention all over Europe and to give fresh impetus to a renewable energy-based and decentralized energy turnaround. It honors outstanding and innovative projects and initiatives from all parts of society. At the end of each year the award winners are celebrated at a festive gathering in changing European countries.