The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) recognized five individuals and four organizations for their work to advance clean energy, energy efficiency and job creation in Maryland. MCEC said the winners are improving renewable energy sources and accessibility, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases, advancing clean energy policies and bolstering investment in clean energy.

"We are thrilled with the caliber of work of this year's award and scholarship winners," said Kathy Magruder, MCEC Executive Director. "Their forward-thinking approaches and leadership in the clean energy sector - whether creating innovative technology, drafting smart policies or convening strategic partnerships - are making a difference not just here in Maryland, but across the country."

Award and scholarship recipients were named at the 2018 Maryland Clean Energy Summit, a gathering of industry experts, policymakers, regulators, utility representatives, innovators and business leaders, who came together at the two-and-a-half-day conference to discuss ideas for moving Maryland forward to a modern power grid. 

This year's recipients were:

• Clean Energy Champion of the Year: Jeffrey W. Eckel, Chairman, President & CEO, Hannon Armstrong, for making a lifetime commitment to the environment, working to reduce harmful greenhouse gases through technology and expand business innovations in the power sector.

• Advocacy Award: Maryland State Delegate Luke Clippinger (District 46), for his long history of advancing clean energy policies in Maryland, including recent legislation that provides funding for an innovative, low-income solar financing program.

• Partnership Award: Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland of Sparks, Maryland, for making energy efficiency a key initiative for the Maryland manufacturing community by offering energy auditing and assistance to more than 200 regional manufacturers.

• Innovator of the Year: FESCO Energy LLC of Frederick, Maryland, for creating innovative software and customized algorithms that enable customers to buy energy with decreased operation risk and greater budgetary control.

• Capital Partner of the Year: National Energy Technology Laboratory of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for providing significant capital and expertise to help bolster investment in Maryland clean energy companies.

• Bright Light Award: GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic of Washington, D.C., for removing barriers to success in the clean energy sector and making renewable energy technology accessible to more Maryland residents.

• Special Recognition Awards: Janine A. Finnell, Executive Director, Leaders in Energy, and John Quinn, Director of Energy Policy, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, for their work to convene key stakeholders and facilitate partnerships.

• Next Generation Scholarship (provided by the Butz Foundation): Tyler Rae, a sophomore at the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, who is working in a research laboratory to improve the quality and safety of solid state lithium batteries. He plans to study and enhance the materials used in these and other renewable energy sources.

Scott Szeliga, CPA and Partner, CohnReznick LLP was the Master of Ceremonies at the Awards Luncheon. Speakers included the Hon. Brian E. Frosh, Attorney General, State of Maryland, and Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, USN (Ret.), Former Inspector General, The Department of the Navy and Vice Chairman, CNA Military Advisory Board Chairman, The Gunn Group.

A committee of MCEC Advisory Board members, staff and other stakeholders conducted the search for and selection of the 2018 award winners. Each year the Maryland Clean Energy Center recognizes a few individuals and organizations who have done outstanding work to advance clean energy and energy efficiency in Maryland for their leadership, partnership, advocacy and overall championship of the sector.

Maryland Clean Energy Center | mdcleanenergy.org