Young Energy Leader Award
Recharge Earth Young Energy Leader Award
Young people are a driving force behind the energy transition. That is why the Young Energy Leader Award was established: to recognize young talent for their commitment to a sustainable future and to encourage them to share their vision and innovative ideas.
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Tilburg University, Delft University of Technology, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Radboud University and The Hague University of Applied Sciences carefully select talented students whose thesis or graduation research contributes to the energy transition.
In addition to submitting their thesis, the selected students provide a short video pitch. During Recharge Earth, they meet professionals from across the energy sector, and the winners of the Young Energy Leader Award are announced on the main stage.
Watch the Young Energy Leader 2025 aftermovie.
Participate
Are you a university of applied sciences (HBO) or university (WO) student working on a thesis or graduation project that contributes to the energy transition?
The Young Energy Leader Award offers young talent a platform to showcase their research and innovative ideas to companies, government bodies, knowledge institutions and other professionals in the energy sector.
Participation takes place through the participating educational institutions. Students are nominated by their programme or thesis coordinator.
Want to learn more about the award, the assessment criteria and the application process? View the information flyer or download the application form directly.
View the Young Energy Leader Flyer
Do you have questions about participation or would you like to know whether your educational institution can take part?
Please contact us at [email protected].
Proud Winners of the Young Energy Leader Award 2025!
During Recharge Earth 2025, the finalists presented their innovative research projects to the expert jury. Following a careful evaluation process, Gijs van Wijk and Bas van Berkel were named winners of the Young Energy Leader Award 2025.
Gijs van Wijk - Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Gijs explored the potential of high-temperature heat pumps. His research demonstrates that this technology can not only significantly reduce CO? emissions but also deliver millions in cost savings.
Bas van Berkel - Delft University of Technology
Bas showed how smart control and maintenance of wind farms can increase energy output while reducing costs. A practical step towards more efficient and sustainable energy production.
Jury
TU Delft & Hogeschool Rotterdam
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Avans University of Applied Sciences
Erasmus University
TU Delft
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Radboud University & Nijmegen School of Management
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
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