The awards ceremony at India Energy Week 2026 highlighted a decisive shift toward decarbonization, with green energy categories dominating the platform. While the event celebrated traditional sector achievements, the specific focus remained on the technologies and leaders steering India toward its 2070 net-zero commitment.
Renewable energy and clean tech leaders:
The IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) emerged as a central figure, with CMD Pradip Kumar Das recognized for his leadership in scaling bankable renewable solutions and driving clean tech finance.
The ceremony also spotlighted major infrastructure projects, particularly in the solar sector.
Corporate Sustainability & Solar Innovation:
Winner: Waaree Energies Ltd
Award: Excellence in Solar Manufacturing
Honored for their contribution to the Make in India initiative and their role in scaling solar module production to meet domestic demand.
Winner: Vikram Solar
Award: Clean Tech Infrastructure Award
Recognized for their execution of complex utility-scale solar projects and innovation in high-efficiency PV modules.
Green hydrogen and biofuel pioneers:
Innovation in future fuels was a core award category. Recognition was given to pioneers in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on breakthroughs in electrolyzer technology and green ammonia. In the biofuels space, organizations were honored for their success in the ethanol blending program, which has significantly cut import dependence while supporting rural livelihoods.
Winner: Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL)
Award: Green Hydrogen Trailblazer Award
Awarded for their aggressive roadmap and technological advancements in integrated green hydrogen ecosystems.
Winner: Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)
Award: Biofuel Innovation Award
Recognized for their success in achieving high ethanol blending targets and launching 2G Ethanol plants.
Sustainable startup breakthroughs:
The Vasudha and Avinya Startup challenges showcased the next generation of green tech. Winners included startups specializing in:
AI-Driven Decarbonization: Tools for end-to-end optimization of clean energy storage.
Circular Economy: Solutions for renewable component recycling.
Rural Energy Access: Solar-powered cold storage and off-grid renewable systems.
Winner: Relyion Energy
Award: Circular Economy Champion (Avinya Challenge)
Honored for their focus on second life battery technology, repurposing EV batteries for stationary energy storage.
Winner: EcoZen Solutions
Award: Sustainable Impact Award (Vasudha Challenge)
Recognized for creating solar-powered cold chain solutions that reduce carbon footprints in the agricultural sector.
ESGNews.earth was a media partner at the event.
