Carnot Prize
About the Prize
The Carnot Prize is the Kleinman Center’s annual recognition of distinguished contributions to energy policy through scholarship or practice.
Naming the Prize
The Carnot Prize is named in memory of French scientist Sadi Carnot, who in 1824 published “Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire,” which became the basis for the second law of thermodynamics. Carnot recognized that the power of the steam engine would “produce a great revolution” in human development. The Carnot Prize is intended to honor those who have revolutionized our understanding of energy policy.
2024 Carnot Prize Winner
Jacqueline Patterson
Founder and Executive Director, The Chisholm Legacy ProjectJacqueline Patterson is the founder and executive director of The Chisholm Legacy Project, a resource hub for Black frontline climate justice leadership. She is the recipient of the 2024 Carnot Prize and a senior fellow at the Kleinman Center.
Highlights from Carnot 2024
Past Recipients
Ramón Méndez Galain
Former Energy Director of UruguayRamón Méndez Galain is the Executive Director of Ivy and the former energy director of Uruguay. He is the recipient of the 2023 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Nicholas Stern
IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, LSENicholas Stern is the IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the recipient of the 2022 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Sheila Oparaocha
International Coordinator and Program Manager, EnergiaSheila Oparaocha is the international coordinator and program manager at Energia. She is the recipient of the 2021 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Cheryl LaFleur
Former Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionCheryl LaFleur is the former commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. She is the 2019 recipient of the Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Piyush Goyal
Minister of Railways and Coal, Government of IndiaPiyush Goyal is a member of India’s upper house of parliament and serves as the minister of railways and coal. He is the 2018 recipient of the Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Gina McCarthy
Former Administrator, Environmental Protection AgencyGina McCarthy is the former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the recipient of the 2017 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Fatih Birol
Executive Director, International Energy AgencyFatih Birol is the executive director of the International Energy Agency. He is the recipient of the 2016 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.
Daniel Yergin
Vice Chairman, IHS MarkitDaniel Yergin is the Vice Chairman of IHS Markit. He is the recipient of the 2015 Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy.