Energy Economist of the Year – Energy Intelligence Forum 2025

Professor Sam Fankhauser is this year's Dr. Herman Franssen Energy Economist of the Year. Awarded annually by a panel of Energy Intelligence staff, past award winners, members of academia, the private sector and government, this prize recognizes the unique contribution of a top energy economist who embodies what Dr. Franssen stood for: dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a global perspective.

The award was designed to highlight the work of economists to drive deeper and broader understandings of the profound changes happening in the world of energy and economics. This year's winner has spent his career in support of that cause, working at interface of research and public policy on economic development, energy and the environment for the last 30 years.

The award will be presented to Professor Sam Fankhauser at the Energy Intelligence Forum event which will be held in London.

The Dr. Herman Franssen Energy Economist of the Year Award is given annually to a top energy economist who embodies the characteristics that Dr. Franssen stood for: intellectual curiosity, a global perspective and a dedication to the field of energy.

The award is designed to shine a light on the intellectual work being done by economists to understand the profound changes happening in the world of energy and economics.

Nominees are drawn from professional organizations as well as the public and private sector. A short-list is then ranked by a selection committee that includes Energy Intelligence staff, as well as members of academia, the private sector and government.

Dr. Franssen dedicated his life to understanding, analyzing and discussing the field of energy. He helped craft energy policies through positions within the governments of the US and Oman and as chief economist for the International Energy Agency oversaw the release of the agency's first major World Energy Outlook.

Dr. Franssen was the long-time executive director of Energy Intelligence until his passing in January 2020.

OUR
AWARDS

2025 ENERGY ECONOMIST OF THE YEAR
AWARD WINNER

ABOUT THE ENERGY ECONOMIST
OF THE YEAR AWARD

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Dr. Hoesung Lee
6th Chair Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), President of Carbon Free Alliance, Special Ambassador for Carbon Free Energy, ROK

2024

Professor William D. Nordhaus
Sterling Professor of Economics & Professor in the School of the Environment, Yale University

2023

Professor Lord Nicholas Stern
IG Patel Professor of Economics & Government; Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change & the Environment, LSE

2022

OUR AWARDS

2025 ENERGY ECONOMIST OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

ABOUT THE ENERGY ECONOMIST OF THE YEAR AWARD