Prospect member Harshil Sumaria wins International Energy Award

Prospect member Harshil Sumaria, a Strategy and Performance Engineer for UK Power Networks DSO, was honoured as the Young Professional of the Year at the 26th annual International Energy Awards.

Harshil Sumaria, right, presented with his award from Andy Brown, President of the Energy Institute (Photo: Energy Institute)

Hosted by the Energy Institute, the awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals from around the world for their professional achievements in energy.

The Young Professional of the Year Award goes to the outstanding contribution of individuals with fewer than five years in energy.

Harshil, 28, was recognised for his work on UKPN’s Strategic Forecasting System, a planning tool that is considered one of the most advanced tools in the industry for network planning, and one that saves UKPN’s customers millions of pounds.

John Kerry, the former US Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, attended the ceremony, where he was presented with the EI President’s Award in recognition of his pivotal work from brokering the Paris Climate Accord in 2015 through to the agreement at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.

John Kerry at the International Energy Awards 2025 (Photo: Energy Institute)

After receiving the award at the ceremony in London at the of February, Harshil said:

“I am so humbled to be recognised by the Energy Institute at the International Energy Awards. To take to the same stage as John Kerry did, a person who is an inspiration to so many of us, was truly an honour. We have a long way to go in the energy transition, but together we can get there.”

He added, “Thank you to my family and friends, the Energy Institute and UK Power Networks for this special award.”