Dubai, UAE – 10th February 2026
Blake Simmons, senior leader at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, has been awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Energy
Industry – Leaders: Bioenergy & Bioeconomy Leadership” at the Inaugural Edition of
the Energy Evolution Awards & Conference 2026, held at the distinguished Crowne
Plaza Deira, Dubai.
The Energy Evolution Awards & Conference 2026 brought together global energy pioneers,
policymakers, scientists, renewable developers, and sustainability advocates to celebrate
breakthrough innovation and leadership shaping the future of energy systems worldwide.
Advancing the Science and Commercialization of
Bioenergy
Blake Simmons is widely recognized for driving scientific excellence while accelerating
real-world application in the bioenergy sector. At JBEI and Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, he plays a pivotal role in shaping research strategy and translational
impact—bridging cutting-edge science with industry deployment.
His work focuses on:
● Advanced biorefineries
● Lignocellulosic biomass conversion
● Sustainable pathways to low-carbon fuels and chemicals
● Feedstock-agnostic, scalable bioenergy technologies
Through his leadership, research initiatives are not only advancing scientific understanding
but also enabling scalable technologies that support a resilient, low-carbon bioeconomy.
Building a Resilient Bioeconomy Through
Collaboration
Blake is known for his unique ability to connect academia, national laboratories, and industry
partners to accelerate commercialization pathways. By fostering cross-sector collaboration,
he is helping transform fundamental research into deployable energy solutions that reduce
emissions, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable industrial systems.
His contributions are central to advancing next-generation fuels and renewable
chemicals—key pillars in achieving global decarbonization goals.
The Bioenergy & Bioeconomy Leadership Award recognizes Blake Simmons’
outstanding impact in driving scientific innovation, commercialization strategy, and
cross-sector partnerships that are shaping the future of sustainable energy.
Message from Anas Jawed, CEO of Next Business
Media
Anas Jawed, CEO of Next Business Media, congratulated Blake Simmons on his remarkable
achievement:
“Blake Simmons exemplifies the leadership required to build a truly sustainable
bioeconomy. His work at the intersection of advanced research and
commercialization is accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuels and
renewable chemicals. By bridging science and industry, he is helping lay the
foundation for a resilient and scalable energy future. We are proud to recognize
his extraordinary contribution at the inaugural Energy Evolution Awards &
Conference 2026.”
Nominations Now Open for Energy
Evolution Awards & Conference 2027
Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Energy Evolution Awards & Conference
will return to Dubai on 16th March 2027.
Energy leaders, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations driving
transformation across renewable energy, bioenergy, clean technology, and sustainable
infrastructure are invited to submit nominations.
If you are:
● Advancing low-carbon fuels or renewable chemicals
● Leading innovation in bioenergy or biorefineries
● Bridging science and commercialization
● Driving measurable sustainability impact
This is your opportunity to gain global recognition and showcase your leadership on an
international stage.
Submit your nomination today for the Energy Evolution Awards & Conference 2027
and join the world’s leading energy visionaries in Dubai.
Be part of the movement shaping the future of sustainable energy and the global
bioeconomy.
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