The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), in partnership with Greenpeace and REN21, has named Jitsai Santaputra as the winner of the prestigious REVolutionaries: Steve Sawyer Memorial Award. The award celebrates individuals driving transformative change in renewable energy, honoring the legacy of Steve Sawyer, a pioneer in the global wind energy sector.
Supporting Clean Energy in Southeast Asia
Jitsai Santaputra plans to use the award to further her work in Southeast Asia, particularly in “hard-to-reach regions,” focusing on ensuring a just energy transition for both rural and urban areas. “This award holds significance for the world as we combat carbon emissions and transition towards a low-carbon society,” she said. “It stands as a beacon of hope, recognizing winners and inspiring younger generations to pursue clean energy solutions.”
The prize package includes €4,000, travel funding to attend a regional GWEC event, and opportunities to promote her work to a global audience.
Selection Based on Five Key Criteria
The winner was selected by a jury that included Steve Sawyer’s family, GWEC, Greenpeace International, and REN21. The panel evaluated candidates based on leadership, renewable energy commitment, innovation, scalability, and diversity.
Recognizing Exceptional Leadership
GWEC CEO Ben Backwell praised Santaputra’s dedication to renewable energy, particularly her focus on youth engagement and community empowerment in Southeast Asia. “Jitsai embodies the pillars of this award and Steve Sawyer’s legacy. Her commitment to leadership, innovation, and a just energy transition is truly inspiring,” he said.
Kelly Rigg, Sawyer’s wife and Director of the Varda Group, highlighted Jitsai’s groundbreaking work. “Her leadership qualities shine through her efforts with young people in the region. Steve would have been so pleased to know her, and I hope this award inspires her to build on his legacy,” Rigg said.
Continuing Steve Sawyer’s Legacy
The award honors the contributions of Steve Sawyer, GWEC’s first Secretary General, who played a pivotal role in scaling global wind installations from 74 GW to 539 GW during his tenure. His work significantly advanced the wind energy industry in emerging markets such as India, China, Brazil, and South Africa.
The recognition of Jitsai Santaputra reflects the ongoing commitment to Sawyer’s vision: a renewable energy future driven by leadership, innovation, and inclusivity. Through her efforts, Santaputra aims to build capacity and raise awareness in underserved communities, championing the clean energy transition across Southeast Asia.