Tulsi Tanti-led Suzlon Energy and Indian SME Orb Energy are among 14 companies shortlisted for this year's Zayed Future Energy Prize for top sustainable energy innovators.

Suzlon has been shortlisted for the award in the large corporations category, while Orb Energy is in contention for the award in the SME and NGO category.

Besides Suzlon, the other companies in contention for the award in the large corporations category include Schneider Electric (France), GE Energy Financial Services (United States) and GE Power & Water (United States).

In the SME and NGO category, Carbon Disclosure Project ( United Kingdom), Acumen Fund (United States), Nuru Energy ( Rwanda), Environmental Defence Fund (United States), d.light design (United States) and Aga Khan Planning and Building Service (Pakistan) were also shortlisted for the award.

Following a two-day debate, the selection committee for the Zayed Future Energy Prize, comprising 11 of the world's foremost energy experts, chose the 14 candidates out of a record 425 entries. The shortlisted contenders will now get a chance to compete for the award in January, 2012.

Of the 425 entries received from 71 countries this year, 62 were selected in the first stage by a reputed international research and analysis firm and their number was further reduced to 33 by the Prize's Review Committee in October.

Commenting on the selected candidates, Zayed Future Energy Prize Director General Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said that "What the Zayed Future Energy Prize is constantly on the lookout for is the strength of commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. After all, any endeavour to improve our world is only as strong as the human spirit that is behind it, this alone is what is worth celebrating and encouraging.”

(Sourced from ET)