Nominations now open for 2026 Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards

Third-annual awards recognize outstanding contributions to the local economy and clean energy sector

The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is pleased to open nominations for the third-annual Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards, to be presented at the 2026 Clean Energy Frontier Conference scheduled October 8–9, 2026 in Saugeen Shores, Ontario.

Recognizing outstanding contributions to the clean energy sector, these awards celebrate the achievements and dedication of individuals, teams, businesses and organizations who are advancing clean energy innovation, economic growth and community engagement across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.

“We look forward to recognizing the individuals and organizations driving meaningful progress in the Clean Energy Frontier region,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. “These awards are an opportunity to celebrate innovation, leadership and community impact—and we encourage everyone to help shine a light on those making a difference in the region.” 

The award categories for this year’s Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards are:

• Paulette Peirol Memorial Award for Excellence in Economic Development: Created to honour local leaders who exemplify the late Paulette Peirol’s commitment to economic development in the clean energy sector, this award recognizes an economic development professional or team. The recipient will have demonstrated excellence through initiatives that promote regional economic growth, foster innovation and advance sustainability in the clean energy industry. 

  
  

• Community Clean Energy Champion Award: This award celebrates a local business, not-for-profit organization or association that has shown outstanding leadership by fostering partnerships, engaging the community and advocating for regional clean energy advancement. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, awareness-building and innovative projects that strengthen the regional clean energy ecosystem. 

  
  

• Community Visionary Award: Recognizing an elected official or municipal staff member who demonstrates visionary leadership in advancing clean energy within their community. The recipient has shown foresight, strategic thinking and a commitment to driving positive change in the Clean Energy Frontier region. 

  
  

• Isotope Catalyst Award: This award recognizes a partner of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition who demonstrates unwavering support for the isotope industry, shows strong leadership in advancing its growth and champions collaboration to create meaningful impact across the sector. 

  
  

• Community Impact & Resilience Award: Recognizing a leader or organization whose vision, innovation and dedication have helped communities navigate challenges, build resilience and enhance safety and well-being, with one recipient honoured in each of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties (three available). 

Nomination process:  

NII invites community members and colleagues to nominate individuals, teams, organizations or businesses who meet the criteria and have made significant contributions to the clean energy sector. Visit NII’s website at nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier to access the Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards Nomination Form.  

Submission deadline: 

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The Clean Energy Frontier program is an advocacy, awareness-raising and economic development program that is part of the Bruce Power Nexus Research Centre, hosted at the Nuclear Innovation Institute. The program focuses on promoting the valuable contribution that Bruce, Grey and Huron counties and local Indigenous communities bring to Ontario and Canada in the drive towards a clean energy future.

Learn more about the 2026 Clean Energy Frontier Conference at: nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier-conference.