GSoS Co-founder, Lei Zhang, becomes first private-sector leader to receive Energy Institute President’s Award

Lei Zhang, GSoS Co-founder and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Envision, has been named the recipient of the Energy Institute’s 2026 President’s Award.

In recognising Zhang, the Energy Institute pointed to his standing as a thought leader who has consistently framed the energy transition as a systems challenge — and an economic opportunity — rather than a constraint. His work was cited for advancing industry standards, supporting skills and education, and promoting long-term thinking about how energy systems can better serve societies and economies.

The award also marks a notable moment for the private sector. Zhang is the first entrepreneur and business leader to receive the President’s Award, following previous recipients largely drawn from government, diplomacy and international organisations. The Institute said this reflects a growing recognition that achieving net zero will depend not only on policy, but on businesses capable of building and operating the infrastructure and digital systems that make the transition investable and durable.

Energy Institute President Andy Brown commented:

“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."

Professor Nicholas Stern, GSoS Chair, said:

“Sustainable development is the only route to strong and secure growth. Sustainability is the new prosperity. Lei's commitment to harnessing technology for humanity’s shared energy challenges, together with his extraordinary creativity and drive, provide a powerful example of the kind of leadership we need as we accelerate the pace of change across the world.”

Lei Zhang commented:

“It is a great honour to join the list of outstanding individuals who have received this award, and it is particularly gratifying to be the first from the private sector to do so. I am a great believer in the crucial role that business will play in the renewable energy transition.”