Dr Ashok Gadgil, who has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievers' Category, talks about his work and passion for energy innovation and sustainability 

Environmental sustainability is a core concern for the leading US scientist and inventor Dr Ashok Gadgil, Director, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US.

Making the most basic services accessible to millions of poor people around the world through the use of renewable energy is even more so. Dr Gadgil's work has allowed him to study, assess and, most importantly, develop and deploy effective solutions to meet the daily needs of the world's most vulnerable communities.

Dr Gadgil's recent innovation of the Darfur stove uses around 55 per cent less firewood than regular alternatives. So far, 20,700 stoves have been distributed as part of a goal to cascade approximately US$32 million worth of economic benefits over their five-year life, even while reducing the risk that refugees face when collecting firewood.

Dr Gadgil is also one of 13 finalists of the prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize that aims to inspire, encourage and honour innovators and achievers in the field of renewable energy and sustainable development.

Based at the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL) in California, Dr Ashok Gadgil pioneered the UV Waterworks, a water-purification system, and the Darfur stove that substantially reduces the need for firewood. In the early 1990s, he brought together electric utilities and lamp manufacturers to subsidise the uptake of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) in developing countries.

In conversation with Dr Ashok Gadgil….

How did you hear about the prize and why have you applied?

Ashok Gadgil: I was not aware of the Zayed Future Energy Prize until the committee contacted me.  Friends of my colleagues who knew about my work and the prize sent in my nomination without my knowledge.  After I read about the Prize, I found it was indeed a great fit to my passion and accomplishments.  So, I responded to the e-mail with a detailed application.

How long did it take you to prepare your submission?

AG: Several weeks.

How will being a finalist for the prize affect your work around energy innovation and sustainability?

AG: The honour is a tremendous validation of my life-long work and passion for energy innovation and sustainability.

How do you think the Zayed Future Energy Prize contributes to the future of innovation in energy and sustainability?

AG: The Zayed Future Energy Prize contributes to the future of innovation in energy and sustainability by highlighting their importance for the well-being of mankind and planet Earth.

What are your impressions about the prize and its judging criteria?

AG: Looking at the list of past winners and runners-up - some of whose work I know well - I believe that the prize is selecting the right people while the judging criteria are sound and thoughtful and remain true to its aims.

If you win the final prize, what do you plan to do with the money? What are your plans for your project / submission for the future?

AG: Along with my teams, I will continue to advance the research, design, examination, and technology transfer of fuel-efficient low-emission stoves to benefit approximately three billion people (mostly women) who use biomass for cooking.  I will also continue to research to field test, demonstrate and license the technology for arsenic remediation of drinking water for close to 100 million people in Bangladesh, West Bengal, and tens of millions of others elsewhere poisoned with arsenic in drinking water.

Overall, what trends do you see in the future of energy and sustainability in the next 5-10 years?

AG: It has taken some 30 years for the term 'sustainability' to become acceptable even in normal political and policy discussions and debates. Vigorous efforts and political leadership are needed to examine the concept with more seriousness. This is yet to happen, despite the very little time [we have] left before we face large risks of irreversible damage to the Earth's ecosystem and human well-being. Energy sustainability and global climate change are an integral part to preserve the planetary ecosystem and the human economic system.

What would your advice be to other energy and sustainability innovators who might not be aware about the Zayed Future Energy Prize?

AG: I would say 'watch closely what the finalists and winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize have initiated and accomplished, and aim to exceed that in your own lives, with a sense of urgency.'

What drove you to dedicate your life to this industry?

AG: I believe that energy inefficiency and sustainability are the most serious threats to the future well-being of modern human society and the ecosystem of Earth.  The awareness of this hazard drove me to do something about it in my own life.

Where does your passion come from?

AG: From the need to do something with my own life that is worthwhile and enduring.

AT A GLANCE
  • The Zayed Future Energy Prize: Established in 2008.
  • Objective of the prize: To inspire, encourage and honour innovators and achievers in the field of renewable energy and sustainability
  • Criteria of the prize: Innovation, Leadership, Long Term Vision and Impact.

Overall prize money: US $4 million, including the new category (The Global High School Prize) which will be given in 2013.

1: Small and Medium size

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