Dubai, UAE | 10 February 2026 — The global energy community gathered at the Crowne
Plaza Deira Dubai for the Inaugural Edition of the Energy Evolution Awards &
Conference 2026, organized by Next Business Media. The event brought together industry
leaders, policymakers, innovators, and sustainability advocates to recognize transformative
contributions to the global energy transition.
Among the distinguished honorees, Sven Van Elst, General Manager of ASTER
Vlaanderen, was awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Energy Industry – Community
Solar Champion Award.”
Advancing an Inclusive Energy Transition
Sven Van Elst leads ASTER Vlaanderen, one of Europe’s largest social energy initiatives
dedicated to making the energy transition fair, accessible, and affordable. Under his
leadership, ASTER has developed scalable models focused on reducing energy poverty
through large-scale solar deployment in social housing.
By integrating renewable energy into public housing infrastructure, ASTER ensures that
vulnerable communities directly benefit from clean energy generation — reducing energy
bills while contributing to climate objectives.
Sven’s work represents a powerful example of how renewable energy can serve both
environmental and social goals simultaneously.
A Scalable Blueprint for Europe
With extensive experience spanning policy development, financing mechanisms, and
large-scale implementation, Sven has positioned the ASTER model as a replicable
blueprint for inclusive energy transformation across Flanders and Europe.
His leadership has demonstrated that:
● Community solar can significantly reduce energy poverty
● Public-private collaboration is essential for large-scale impact
● Renewable deployment can be structured to maximize social equity
● Sustainable transition strategies must prioritize affordability
By combining strategic governance with operational execution, Sven has helped align
climate goals with social responsibility — reinforcing the idea that the energy transition must
leave no one behind.
Recognition at a Global Platform
The Energy Evolution Awards were established to recognize leaders and organizations
delivering measurable impact across the renewable energy ecosystem. Sven Van Elst’s
recognition highlights the growing global importance of community-based renewable
models and equitable access to clean energy.
As governments and institutions accelerate decarbonization strategies, inclusive solar
initiatives such as ASTER Vlaanderen provide a framework for sustainable,
community-centered energy systems.
Message from Anas Jawed, CEO – Next Business
Media
“We are honored to recognize Sven Van Elst as our Community Solar Champion
at the inaugural Energy Evolution Awards. His leadership at ASTER Vlaanderen
demonstrates that the energy transition must be both sustainable and socially
inclusive. By reducing energy poverty through scalable solar solutions, Sven is
setting an example for Europe and beyond. We congratulate him on this
well-deserved recognition and commend his commitment to building a fair and
resilient energy future.”
— Anas Jawed
CEO, Next Business Media
Energy Evolution Awards & Conference
Returns – 16 March 2027
Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Energy Evolution Awards & Conference
will return to Dubai on 16 March 2027.
The platform invites nominations from:
● Renewable energy leaders
● Community solar innovators
● Social impact pioneers
● Sustainability advocates
● Energy technology companies
● Policy and infrastructure leaders
If you are driving inclusive, innovative, and measurable change within the energy sector, this
is your opportunity to gain international recognition and showcase your impact to a global
audience.
Submit your nomination for the 2027 edition and join a distinguished community
shaping the future of energy.
The transition to clean energy is not only about technology — it is about people, access, and
shared prosperity. Be recognized as a leader in this transformation.
Reach us on WhatsApp