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Dr Philipp Rutberg (Russia) has been awarded the Global Energy Prize for his fundamental research and development of energy plasma technologies.

Dr Arthur H. Rosenfeld (USA) has been awarded the Global Energy Prize in recognition of his pioneering energy efficiency work.

Dmitry Medvedev supported the initiative put forward by Mr Rutberg during the ceremony on cleaning up consumer waste polluting the world’s oceans by processing it into energy using plasma technologies.

The International Global Energy Prize is awarded for outstanding scientific achievements in the field of energy benefiting all of humanity. The Prize was established in 2002.

Before the start of the ceremony, Dmitry Medvedev participated in a plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum entitled Global Energy: New Paths to Energy Security.

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Remarks following discussion at Global Energy: New Paths to Energy Security session

President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: You have had a very tough discussion, in the sense that you are discussing investment climate in the presence of the supervising Deputy Prime Minister, whom you invited from the Cabinet, and the President, who ended up being here accidentally. This reminds me of a situation where a cat and mouse are locked into a room together and asked, “Mouse, do you like the cat or not?” Do you like the investment climate in Russia or do you have some problems with it?

But in all seriousness, the truth is, discussions like this one are still very useful because of nuances and even understatements made in their answers, first and foremost, by our foreign colleagues. Ultimately, we can see that they do not like it, because there is always something people don’t like, and moreover, it’s not customary to talk about certain things; but the understatements and hints we heard here must be analysed by our Government – I am referring to the creation of a regulatory framework and participation in the corresponding procedures by our foreign partners and investors. This is truly very important.

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Speech at ceremony for presenting International Global Energy Prize

President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Good afternoon, colleagues, laureates, friends,

This is not the first time I am participating in a ceremony for presenting this important and prestigious award, the Global Energy Prize. Indeed, we are already holding this ceremony for the ninth time. This year, about 253 scientists were nominated, and 1,600 scientists from 48 nations participated in the process. That means this prize is quite representative and its conferment recognises exceptional contribution to science and the overall understanding of energy problems on our planet.

The prize’s increasing prestige is largely tied to increasing attention toward energy efficiency (both of today’s laureates demonstrate this) – in other words, the future of energy. As we just heard, both laureates have enormous merits. I will say just a few more words about them. Naturally, I would like first of all to congratulate them on receiving these prizes.

I will begin with Philipp Rutberg. If what I was told is correct, his path into science was not direct. Mr Rutberg is a law graduate who then completed coursework at the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute (nowadays, it’s usually the opposite: first people complete their studies at polytechnic institutes, and then they become attorneys; but in this regard, you have the right background). He subsequently became a specialist in the field of electrophysics. Mr Rutberg achieved outstanding results in his research, and as we know, the plasmatron he created allows us to process particularly toxic and harmful organic waste, turning it into synthetic fuel.

I also welcome our American colleague, Dr Arthur Rosenfeld, to Russia. Now, your collection of scientific awards – and there are many – will include the Global Energy Prize certificate. Dr Rosenfeld is truly regarded as a guru in energy efficiency. He is the creator of new construction solutions, as we were just shown, and the production of low-cost consumer devices. But Dr Rosenfeld also participated in shaping government policy (which, in my view, always distinguishes an inquisitive mind and a desire to help one’s nation) in the work he did at the United States Department of Energy.

It is very interesting that both of today’s laureates were nominated for their achievements in energy efficiency. I think this shows that energy efficiency is turning into one of the key areas of energy development worldwide. I feel this is a good thing.

I once again sincerely congratulate our winners and wish them health and every success. Now, it will be a real pleasure for me to participate in this ceremony.

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