Award categories
The dena Energy Award
There are three award categories in the dena Energy Award. In addition, dena awards a special prize amongst all applying small and medium-size enterprises for particularly innovative solutions.
The nominated projects and the award winners are selected by a jury of experts with representatives from politics, business, science and the media. The award ceremony takes place during the dena Congress on November 3rd, 2025.
All important information for applying for the dena Energy Award 2026 can be found in terms and conditions and factsheet.
The Award Categories
Move forward!
Holistic climate action plans with concrete projects that significantly improve decarbonisation efforts and work towards the goal of climate neutrality are requested here. This includes, for example, the use of renewable energies or systemic measures.
Act together!
This category honours exemplary cooperation in energy efficiency and climate action projects. The focus is on cooperative project developments, contracting solutions, and sustainable infrastructures.
Go smart!
Innovative energy efficiency technologies, which open measurable saving potentials, are recognized in this category. This may include advanced technologies for the measurement and control of systems.
Pioneer (Audience Award)
The commitment of small and medium enterprises who, despite limited resources, recognise the challenges of the energy transition as an opportunity and lead the way, are at the forefront in this category.
"For 20 years, the award has recognized outstanding corporate achievements and highlighted how transformation succeeds in practice."
Rewarding the nominees
All nominees receive a label designating them as nominees for the dEA and are entitled to actively use the nomination for their own corporate communication.
The two additional nominees for the Pioneer Award receive 1,000 euros each, respectively.