Role models of the energy transition: 20th dena Energy Award presented
The German Energy Agency (dena) has honoured the winners of the dena Energy Award 2026. Four innovative projects show how climate protection and profitability go hand in hand.
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© HoffotografenSebastian BoieSenior Expert, Communications T: +49 30 66 777 - 168 sebastian.boie(at)dena.de
The winners of this year's dena Energy Award were honoured today at the dena Congress in Berlin. Through their systemic approaches, technological innovations and collaborative solutions, the four award-winning projects are each setting benchmarks for energy efficiency and climate protection in companies.
Corinna Enders, Chair of the Executive Board of the German Energy Agency (dena): “The award-winning companies demonstrate in an outstanding way how integrated approaches lead to success. This makes it possible to unlock greater efficiencies, roll out innovations at scale and create value across sectors. The winners of the dena Energy Award are once again inspiring role models in their industries and beyond.”
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Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and Chair of the dena Supervisory Board, emphasised the following in his address marking the anniversary at the awards ceremony: ”For 20 years, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has been supporting the dena Energy Award. Over that time, it has established itself as one of the leading awards for innovative energy solutions that combine energy efficiency with economic performance. The award-winning companies impressively demonstrate the economic potential inherent in the intelligent and efficient use of energy. Through modern technologies, new concepts and optimised operational processes, they unlock efficiency potential, reduce costs and strengthen the competitiveness of our economy.”
Highlights from the 2026 dena Energy Awards ceremony
Four categories – four outstanding solutions
The dena Energy Award 2026 is presented in three main categories plus the “Pioneer” audience award:
Category "Move forward!" – Integrated strategies for climate neutrality
Winner: FERALPI STAHL – Germany's first rolling mill free of Scope 1 emissions
ESF Elbe-Stahlwerke Feralpi has realised an innovative rolling mill concept at its Riesa site. By further processing the semi-finished products from the steel plant, lowering processing temperatures and replacing natural gas with purely electric induction heating, the company achieves largely emissions-free production. The jury was particularly impressed by the systemic approach – from minimising heat losses and integrating SF6-free switchgear to using electricity from renewable sources.
Category “Go smart!” – Energy Efficiency via Technologies and Digitalisation
Winner: Takeda Manufacturing Austria / AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH / SPH Sustainable Process Heat (part of Copeland): Cascaded high-temperature heat pump for steam generation 'AHEAD'
As part of the Austrian research project NEFI, a cascaded high-temperature heat pump was installed at a pharmaceutical site in Vienna. Combined with mechanical vapour recompression, it uses electricity to generate process steam at 184 °C. The jury praised the technological innovation: with natural refrigerants and a temperature lift of 150 K, steam generation becomes significantly more efficient. The project shows that even demanding high-temperature process heat can be decarbonised efficiently using heat pumps.
Category ”Act together!” – Cooperation for Effective Energy Efficiency and Climate Action Projects
Winner: GASAG Solution Plus GmbH / Gewobag ED Energie- und Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH / PASM Power and Air Solutions Management GmbH (wholly owned subsidiary of Telekom): Using data centre waste heat in the Pallasseum residential complex
The project in Berlin-Schöneberg demonstrates how waste heat from a data centre can heat 500 flats in a socially responsible way and at no extra cost to tenants. The jury was convinced by the collaborative solution: heat pumps and a 140 metre long heat pipeline cover 65 per cent of the heat demand with waste heat. The project is a beacon for the heat transition in cities.
Category ”Pioneer”
The Pioneer Award is a special prize awarded to small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) among the entries.
Winner: August Weckermann KG: Nearly climate-neutral energy concept with in-house hydrogen production
The family-run company from the Black Forest implemented a virtually self-sufficient energy supply under the project name "AWVision23". Surplus solar power that is not used directly is stored in a battery or converted into hydrogen via an electrolyser and, when needed, converted back into electricity through a fuel cell. The waste heat generated in the process and treated rainwater are also utilised. Since being commissioned in September 2025, the company has achieved a self-sufficiency rate of up to 90 per cent. The project reduces electricity drawn from the grid by 1,400 MWh per year and saves 537 tonnes of CO₂e.
For the 20th edition of the competition, the winners received a redesigned trophy created in cooperation with Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin.
About the dena Energy Award
Launched in 2007 as the Energy Efficiency Award, the competition is one of the leading awards for corporate excellence in energy efficiency and climate protection. With its evolution into the dena Energy Award, the competition reflects the growing importance of integrated approaches to decarbonisation. A jury of experts from academia, industry, the media and politics evaluates the projects submitted by companies. The competition is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
dena Energy Award website with current and previous winners: https://www.dena.de/energy-award/