Introduction Recognising excellence and innovation in the energy industry Since its introduction in 2000 the annual Energy Institute (EI) Awards competition has recognised individuals and organisations working in the global energy industry for setting increasingly high standards of excellence and innovation in their daily activities. The end of this decade will be remembered for the global economic downturn that has set in over the past few months leading economies large and small into recession. In response, some countries, as exemplified by emerging policy in the US, look at the energy industry to provide the stimulus to strengthen economies once more. The development of new practices and technologies in the energy industry to meet the dual challenges of security of supply and climate change is expected to provide the vital new investment and job opportunities needed to enter a new phase of growth. In such a context, excellence and innovation demonstrated by people and organisations operating in the energy industry are an absolute necessity for it to deliver on such expectations. As the leading professional body working with those concerned with energy in society and whose purpose is to promote good practice and professionalism across the industry, the EI is ideally placed to run an Awards competition that recognises and celebrates the achievements of energy professionals who have raised the standards of competence and commitment to their work. The annual EI Awards culminate with a high profile ceremony in November in London to announce the winners and present them with their prizes. Past hosts have included Sir Matthew Pinsent OBE, Lord Coe KBE, Will Carling OBE and Roger Black MBE. There are eight categories of awards open for nominations: Communication, Community Initiative, Environment, Innovation, International Platinum, Outstanding Individual Achievement, Safety and Technology. Individual contributions to the success and dynamism of the energy industry should never be underestimated and I would therefore urge you and your colleagues to reflect on your own achievements and seek the recognition you deserve by entering this year¹s EI Awards. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to welcoming you to the EI Awards 2009 ceremony this November. Louise Kingham FEI FRSA Chief Executive