Lei Zhang, Founder and CEO of Envision, has been announced as the recipient of the Energy Institute (EI) President’s Award for 2026 – recognising his outstanding contribution to advancing renewable energy technologies and AI, driving global progress towards a sustainable energy system.
A globally recognised entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable innovation, Lei founded Envision Group in 2007 and is the first entrepreneur and business leader to receive this prestigious award. Under his leadership, Envision has led some of the world’s most innovative renewable energy systems, spanning smart wind turbines, advanced battery systems, and net zero industrial parks with the use of AI technology. The company’s mission ‘to solve the challenges for a sustainable future’ has helped accelerate decarbonisation in economies across Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas.
Lei is an active participant in international climate and energy forums and a key contributor to global discussions on clean technology and sustainable infrastructure investment, and co-founded the LSE Global School of Sustainability and was recently included in Time 100’s Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025.
He will receive the President’s Award and address guests as a keynote speaker at the International Energy Week Awards Dinner, concluding the flagship conference taking place 10-12 February 2026 in London.
Energy Institute President Andy Brown FEI said:
“Lei's vision and leadership have made him one of the foremost global energy leaders. Through Envision, he has demonstrated how innovation in renewable energy, digitalisation and battery technology can drive real-world progress toward an efficient, affordable and sustainable energy future.
“The President’s Award is the Energy Institute’s highest honour, presented to individuals whose achievements have had a transformative impact on global energy. Lei's commitment to harnessing technology for humanity’s shared energy challenges exemplifies the kind of leadership our sector needs - as we accelerate the pace of change across the world.”
Lei commented:
“I am deeply honored to receive the President’s Award from the Energy Institute. Humanity now stands at the threshold of a new energy paradigm — one that will lead us toward a renewable civilization.
“At Envision, we believe sustainability is the new prosperity, and we are committed to building an intelligent, renewable energy system that enables every community to access clean, affordable and abundant energy.”
The Energy Institute President’s Award is the most prestigious honour bestowed by the EI President on behalf of its global membership. It succeeds the Cadman and Melchett Awards, dating back to 1946 and 1930 respectively, and recognises individuals who have made an extraordinary impact in addressing global energy challenges - particularly climate change mitigation and equitable access to energy.
Previous recipients include the former US Secretary of State John Kerry, UAE’s Dr Nawal Al-Hosany HonFEI, the UN’s Damilola Ogunbiyi HonFEI, and UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte CMG HonFEI.
International Energy Week 2026 will take place from 10–12 February at the QEII Centre, bringing together global business leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the theme “Growth and security in an increasingly disordered energy transition.”
Confirmed speakers include:
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