Global Energy Prize 2026 Honors Trailblazing Innovators

Yilu Liu, Yushan Yan, and Johann W. Kolar have snagged the 2026 Global Energy Prize for their groundbreaking work in energy. Liu, from the University of Tennessee, impressed with his smart grid systems; Yan, from the University of Delaware, was recognized for pushing clean hydrogen tech into the mainstream; and Kolar, from ETH Zurich, blew minds with his innovations in energy conversion tech. They were chosen from 15 finalists representing nine countries, proving once again that science is the ultimate international sport. What does it mean for you? These innovations could make your future energy bills less painful and help the planet breathe a little easier, all while showing that science is the ultimate team player in making the world a better place.