The 9th Energy Globe Awards for local environmental projects were presented by the Parliament, Commission and Council presidents Hans-Gert Pöttering, José Manuel Barroso and Janez Janša. Projects from around the world promoting the use of clean and renewable energies competed in five different categories: Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Youth.

The Energy Globes reward local and regional projects that contribute to energy conservation, environmental protection, or the supply of basic resources such as water and electricity to remote and poor communities. 109 countries are participating in the 2008 edition. The jury is chaired by Maneka Gandhi.

• Earth: Peru, Germany and The United States of America.
• Fire: Spain, the Philippines and Austria.
• Water: Mozambique, Belgium and the Philippines.
• Air: Austria, Bangladesh and Sweeden
• Youth: Suouth Africa, Portugal and Argentina

The ceremony was hosted by actress Désirée Nosbusch. Special guests included ex-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, India's former environment minister Maneka Gandhi and Indian film star Aamir Khan. Mikhail Gorbachev also received a lifetime achievement award. Mr Gorbachev's daughter Irina Virganskaya, the President of the Green Cross Foundation, also attended.

Also on Tuesday 27th May, there will be a debate on energy efficiency where Hans-Gert Pöttering, Gorbachov y Gandhi will all take part. The debate will be broadcasted live over the internet.