Technology and Innovation

About the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize

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

In 2008, the program will award up to $300,000 in cash prizes and focus on generating innovative ideas and solutions that help 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.

It is our hope that by creating an open forum for new energy ideas, we can create a path to a more secure and environmentally conscious energy supply for future generations.

how it works

Following the 12 p.m. Central deadline on May 30, 2008, entries are no longer being accepted for the 2008 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize.

The entries are now being reviewed by a qualified panel of energy and environmental experts, which will select up to five finalists. Concepts will be judged on the basis of creativity, scalability, commercial viability, and sustainability. Finalists will be announced in August 2008.

The finalists will present their concepts at an awards event in October 2008, where the winner and two runners-up will be announced.

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

Please check back later this year to learn more about the finalists, winner and runners-up, as well as the 2009 program. 

Key Dates

  • May 30, 2008 – Entries were due
  • August 2008 – Finalists announced
  • October 2008 – Awards event
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