The unprecedented conflict between Man and Nature is irrefutable evidence of the fact that such a significant field as energy development can no longer be developed by sheer force of inertia. The sustainable development of humankind and the preservation of our planet for the coming generations call for new approaches, and needs a permanent scientific quest for solutions. I hope that the Global Energy International Prize will encourage both the development of basic science and the creation and implementation on this basis of efficient technologies meeting environmental standards. Today, it is extremely important for our country to help open up the potential of Russian scientists, especially the younger ones. All the difficulties of recent years notwithstanding, our potential for scientific innovation is still great. Given support from government and business, science will help us find the way to an energy-secure and environmentally safe future.
