Berlin, Germany, 25 March 2022. The Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) – the German Energy Agency – is once again looking for innovative projects and concepts targeting an increase in energy efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. dena will give the best competition entries the Energy Efficiency Award 2022, which is endowed with prize money of €30,000 in total. In addition, the winners and nominees will receive a label to use in their public relations work. Small and medium-sized enterprises will receive recognition in a special category for their commitment and achievements in implementing energy efficiency measures. The award is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, BMWK). Premium partner of the project is KfW.

‘This is the 16th time that dena has presented the Energy Efficiency Award. Energy efficiency and CO₂ savings are more relevant than ever – for companies especially, in view of the gas and energy price crisis. After all, energy efficiency measures make a fundamental contribution to climate protection and reduce costs for companies and the economy. The current situation also shows that energy efficiency is relevant to security policy. The competition is our way to honour innovative entrepreneurs who are successful in working towards climate neutrality and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,’ says Andreas Kuhlmann, Chief Executive of Deutsche Energie-Agentur, as the application process kicks off.

Expert jury evaluates in four competition categories

Businesses of any size and from any industry from Germany or abroad can submit one or more entries for the competition categories. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2022.

There are four categories in the competition:

1. Think Big! Complex energy transition projects: This category calls for systemic thinking and integrated solutions for the energy transition. Applicants can submit projects that they have implemented and in which a large number of measures have to work together in a coordinated manner. dena is awarding two prizes in this category: one for small and medium-sized enterprises and a second for larger companies.
2. From clever to digital! The broad spectrum of energy efficiency: This category is open to companies whose project demonstrates how energy efficiency can be implemented. This includes low-investment measures, matured technologies or data-driven optimization via software solutions, digital sensors and control systems.
3. Achieving more together! Energy services as an enabler of the energy transition: This category honours projects implemented by companies in which energy service providers are involved. These may contribute, for example, to the conception and planning, implementation, financing, operational management or maintenance of a system.
4. Concepts for a climate-neutral future! Ambitious climate protection targets, holistic transformation approaches and climate-friendly products: Companies that have developed their own climate protection strategies or climate-friendly products can submit their concepts for the Audience Award in this category.

Awards ceremony at the dena Energy Transition Congress 2022

An expert jury representing the areas of politics, business, science and the media will assess the entries. Their criteria: energy savings, relevance to climate protection, cost-effectiveness, level of innovation and transferability. dena will announce the projects nominated in October 2022. The five winners will receive their awards at a live event on stage during the dena Energy Transition Congress in Berlin on 14 November 2022. The three companies nominated for the Audience Award will present their plans to the attendees at the congress. The audience will then vote to decide which plan wins the award.