CNBC's Brian Sullivan Emceed as Winners from Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Singapore, Spain, UAE, UK, and US Were Announced
S&P Global Energy (formerly S&P Global Commodity Insights), the leading global independent provider of data, insights, analysis, and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy expansion markets, tonight honored industry excellence in 21 performance categories and winners from across the globe at the Platts Global Energy Awards gala held at the Casa Cipriani South Street in downtown New York City.
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The Awards program, now in its 27th year and often described as the “Oscars” of the energy industry, recognizes corporate and individual innovation, leadership, and performance in the energy and chemicals industries and bestowed honors on energy companies from Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Singapore, Spain, UAE, UK, and the US. CNBC's Brian Sullivan — co-anchor of Power Lunch and Asia's US Market Edition, and Senior National Correspondent — emceed the event, continuing a long history of CNBC guest hosts at the Awards gala.
“Energy is everything, everywhere, and the lifeblood of the world's economy and we're pleased to be recognizing those individuals and companies that are embracing change, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), innovating and helping steer a course for a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Dave Ernsberger, President, S&P Global Energy. “Not only do we congratulate tonight's winners but all who were finalists, as well.”
Houston-based Cheniere was the evening's triple winner, walking away with Energy Company of the Year, Chief Executive of the Year and Excellence in Energy – LNG honors,winning praise from the Platts Global Energy Awards panel of independent judges for its impressive operational scale; its 2016 pivot to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and subsequent rise to the largest LNG producer in the US and the second-largest LNG operator globally, all under the leadership of CEO Jack Fusco. Said one judge, “The company provides vital stability to markets in Europe and Asia and across the global stage.” Describing Fusco as a “true trailblazer,” judges pointed to the company's impressive metrics, ranging from: robust financials, to operational discipline, to commitment to and demonstrated community engagement and an “exemplary” safety record. In selection for Chief Executive of the Year, judges also praised Fusco for his direct stewardship of the company's strategic shift and growth and his dedication to innovation.
Among the many winners, were those in Platts Global Energy Awards individual achievement categories such as:
— Lifetime Achievement –This year's Awards program recognized two individuals that judges believed equally contributed significantly to the energy and chemical sectors across their lifetimes:
— Zhenguo Li, LONGi Green Energy Technology Company, China As visionary founder and current President of LONGi's Central R&D Institute, Zhenguo Li was honored for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality throughout his career. Judges pointed to his pioneering work in monocrystalline technology, which not only transformed the solar industry by enhancing efficiency and affordability, but also positioned LONGi as a global leader in solar PV solutions. Li's voluntary sharing of technologies and advocacy for open innovation and initiatives like the “Solar for Solar” model – which aims to decarbonize manufacturing — underscore his dedication to sustainability. Judges commended him as “a pioneer in China and throughout the world,” recognizing his exemplary leadership in the competitive energy market.
— Alan Armstrong, Williams, USAA 40-year veteran of Williams, Alan Armstrong impressed judges not only as a transformative force in the company, but in the wider energy sector. Rising from design engineer to CEO, Armstrong streamlined Williams's operations into a top-tier natural gas infrastructure operator with 12 consecutive years of earnings growth. Describing Armstrong as a leader with “deep personal integrity,” judges also pointed to his focus on process safety, global advocacy for pragmatic energy solutions, and his strategic positioning of Williams for a cleaner energy future.
— Chief Trailblazer of the Year:Shu Fei Zeng, founder of KH Marque in Singapore, was recognized by judges for her remarkable achievements in diverting used cooking oil (UCO) from improper disposal to transformation into sustainable biofuels using transparent and traceable supply chains. Judges were impressed by her ability to elevate KH Marque from a startup to Southeast Asia's largest UCO collector in just four years with “exceptional” revenue growth and an innovative approach to circularity and climate action. Judges said Zeng's visionary leadership has not only redefined industry standards but also established a new economic model that contributes significantly to global decarbonization efforts.
— Rising Star Award-Individual: Judges recognized Katie Aittola, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Chief Risk Officer at Duke Energy, for her transformative leadership in reshaping the company's strategic vision and risk management. Judges commended her for leading a pioneering climate resiliency study that sets new industry standards and for driving innovation in risk financing, which has significantly enhanced Duke's resilience and operational efficiency. Judges said Aittola's ability to engage and empower her teams has established her as a respected voice in the energy sector, marking her as a rising star with broad influence.
In addition to its founder and president winning a Lifetime Achievement Award, China's LONGi Green Energy Technology Company received the Corporate Impact Award for its Targeted Program Global East submission pertaining to its Solar for Safe Births program. Judges pointed to the program's contribution to improving maternal healthcare in the remote village of Linga Linga, Mozambique. By its installation of a solar-powered freshwater system in the local maternity clinic, judges said LONGi helped to transform childbirth conditions, provide safe care, and reduced health risks for mothers and babies in a community previously lacking essential resources.
Applauding the night's winners for their contributions to energy expansion, efficiency and sustainability, Ernsberger emphasized S&P Global Energy's commitment to providing the energy and chemical sectors with the data, insights and essential intelligence they need to lead the energy future, especially amidst rapid change. “As the world charts a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future, ensuring access to modern and expanded sources of energy is critical,” he underscored in an article on page 8of the December issue of S&PGlobal Energy's Insights Magazine, which accompanied the Awards program.
The night's winners of the Platts Global Energy Awards were chosen by the program's independent judges panel from finalists selected from nominations that represented 37 different countries. S&P Global Energy nor event sponsors played any role in the judging or selection of winners.
For details of the above and full roster of Awards winners of the 2025 Platts Global Energy Awards, access the Insights Magazine, or visit the Platts Global Energy Awards website.
2025 Platts Global Energy Award WinnersEnergy Company of the YearCheniereUSA
Lifetime Achievement Award (tie)Zhenguo Li – LONGi Green Energy Technology CompanyCHINA
Alan Armstrong – WilliamsUSA
Chief Executive of the YearJack Fusco – CheniereUSA
Chief Trailblazer of the YearShu Fei Zeng – KH MarqueSINGAPORE
Rising Star Award – IndividualKatie Aittola – Duke EnergyUSA
Rising Star Award – CompanyAmogyUSA
Excellence in Energy – UpstreamCalifornia Resources CorporationUSA
Excellence in Energy – MidstreamWilliamsUSA
Excellence in Energy – DownstreamRepsolSpain
Excellence in Energy – LNGCheniereUSA
Excellence in Energy – PowerEmirates Nuclear Energy CompanyUAE
Excellence in Energy – ChemicalsTopsoeDENMARK
Excellence in Energy – FinanceEquis AustraliaAUSTRALIA
Energy Deal of the YearConstellation Energy CorporationUSA
Grid Edge AwardReactive TechnologiesUK
Infrastructure Project of the YearTAQA GroupUAE
Corporate Impact Award – Comprehensive Portfolio ReNewIndia
Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program Global EastLONGi Green Energy Technology CompanyCHINA
Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program Global WestCPFL EnergiaBRAZIL
Commercial Technology of the YearValero Energy CorporationUSA
Emerging Technology of the YearQuaise EnergyUSA
Media Contacts Americas/EMEA: Kathleen Tanzy+ 1 917-331-4607,kathleen.tanzy@spglobal.com Asia/EMEA: Melissa Tan +65-6597-6241,melissa.tan@spglobal.com
About S&P Global Energy
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