ConocoPhillips Energy Prize

ConocoPhillips and Penn State are pleased to announce the 2009 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize winner:

Scott Anderson and Team for the ECO-Auger™

Learn about the 2009 runners-up and finalists.

About the Prize

The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize is a joint initiative of ConocoPhillips and Penn State to recognize new ideas and original, actionable solutions that can help improve the way the nation develops and uses energy.

In 2009, the program awarded $300,000 in cash prizes to further the development of innovative ideas and solutions in three areas:

  • Developing new energy sources, including new ways to develop alternative energy.
  • Improving energy efficiency, such as new methods to significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed in the United States.
  • Combating climate change, including solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By creating an open forum for new energy ideas, we can create a path to a more secure and environmentally conscious energy future.  

How it Works

A qualified panel of experts reviewed entries and selected five finalists. Concepts were judged on the basis of creativity, scalability, commercial viability, and sustainability. The finalists presented their concepts at an awards event in October, where the winner and two runners-up were announced.

Finalists initially received $25,000 to help further develop their concepts. The winner received an additional $100,000, the first runner-up received another $50,000, and the second runner-up received another $25,000.

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What they are saying:

“Providing adequate, reliable and diverse supplies of energy; significantly improving energy efficiency; and taking action on climate change are challenges that will require innovative technology, resource commitments and responsible stewardship by energy producers and consumers alike.  With help from Penn State and its award-winning Energy Institute, the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize is one way to generate excitement and interest in fostering new energy ideas and solutions that will ultimately benefit society.”

Jim Mulva, Chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips



“Our focus is on developing clean, reliable and affordable energy, and through the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize, we can help spur technology research and development in this area of focus. We are pleased to work with ConocoPhillips on this endeavor, while encouraging the nation’s brightest minds to turn their ideas into reality.”

Dr. William Easterling, Dean of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences