Global Energy Prize 2026 Awarded to Liu, Yan, and Kolar for Energy Innovations

The recipients of the 2026 Global Energy Prize were revealed during a plenary session at the Tatarstan Oil Summit. The winners are Yilu Liu and Yushan Yan from the United States, and Johann W. Kolar from Switzerland.

Yilu Liu, a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Tennessee, secured the award in the "Traditional Energy" category. This recognition is for her development of large-scale systems for the monitoring, control, and situational awareness of smart grids.

Yushan Yan, Director of the Center for Clean Hydrogen at the University of Delaware, was honored in the "Non-traditional Energy" category. Yan's work focused on groundbreaking ideas and efforts to facilitate clean hydrogen production technology and advance its commercialization.

Johann W. Kolar, a professor emeritus from ETH Zurich's Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, received the "New Forms of Energy Application" prize. His contributions have led to breakthroughs in energy conversion technology, enhancing energy efficiency, electric mobility, and renewable energy systems. The winners were selected by the International Global Energy Prize Committee, comprising leading global experts. The committee emphasized the scientific novelty and practical application of the laureates' research in addressing global energy challenges.