In announcing the 2009 finalists for its annual Platts Global Energy Awards today, Platts underscores the changing emphasis of global energy toward both long-term and environment-conscious supply solutions, reporting a record number of entries and finalists in sustainable technologies, energy efficiency and green initiatives categories.

“Not only is it encouraging to see so many taking the lead on supply sustainability through more eco-friendly innovation, it’s impressive to see a record number of total awards entries despite the very challenging global economy,” said Platts President Larry Neal. “Becoming a finalist in this economic environment is no easy feat. We congratulate each of our finalists and look forward to announcing the winners in early December.”

Established in 1999, the Platts Global Energy Awards has become the most recognized awards program in the industry and recognizes innovation, leadership, and superior performance in categories spanning the entire energy industry. New or updated categories for 2009 include Green Energy Initiative of the Year, Energy Efficiency Program of the Year, Deal of the Year, Infrastructure Project of the Year and Energy Producer of the Year.

Finalists in 17 performance categories were chosen from a list of over 200 nominations, based on the criteria for each category, taking into consideration the company's profile and financial performance from within the designated time-frame. The Energy Company of the Year will be selected from this overall list of finalists by the independent panel of judges including former regulators, past heads of major energy companies, leading academics and international energy experts.

Winners of the 2009 Platts Global Energy Awards will be announced Thursday, December 3, at a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony in New York City at the Cipriani Wall Street, which is expected to draw more than 500 senior energy executives from around the world. Capgemini returns as principal sponsor for the seventh year and is joined by co-sponsors Elster Integrated Solutions and SolArc.