Finalists from 19 Countries Contend for 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy companies from 19 countries have been selected as finalists for the Platts Global Energy Awards, an annual program recognizing exemplary industry leadership. The 2011 finalists, chosen from more than 200 nominations, were announced today by program host Platts, a leading global provider of energy, petrochemicals and metals information.

Established in 1999 and often described as "the Oscars" of the energy industry, Platts Global Energy Awards highlight corporate and individual innovation, leadership and superior performance in 19 categories spanning the entire energy complex.

"We look forward to celebrating all of the nominees and announcing the winners at the Global Energy Awards dinner in December," said Larry Neal, president of Platts. "It is particularly heartening to see the high volume of nominations for the Community Development Program of the Year award this year, which further demonstrates that energy leaders are dedicated not only to top-notch corporate and global initiatives but also the support of local communities."

In 2011, Platts Global Energy Awards also introduced two new categories: Rising Star – Individual and Petrochemical and Blendstocks Innovation awards. The surge in global petrochemical activity throughout 2011 was reflected in the large number of entries from countries such as Brazil, India, Russia, Spain and Thailand.

"We're pleased to see the outpouring of quality nominations for our new category highlighting innovations in the important petroleum-related industry of petrochemicals and blendstocks," said Patsy Wurster, head of Platts Global Energy Awards program. "And the breadth and diversity of individuals nominated for 'Rising Star,' which honors innovation and creativity that transforms, suggests good things to come for the energy industry as a whole."

Along with awarding companies and industry leaders in specific performance categories, Platts will also name the 2011 Energy Company of the Year, which will be chosen from the entire list of finalists. Winners in all categories are selected by the program's independent panel of judges, which includes former regulators, past heads of major energy companies, leading academics and international energy experts.

Nearly 600 guests are expected to attend the black-tie dinner at New York's Cipriani Wall Street on Thursday, December 1, when the 2011 Global Energy Awards will be presented by Platts and Capgemini, the program's principal sponsor for the past nine years. Co-sponsor Elster Integrated Solutions returns for the fourth year, and co-sponsor SAIC will be back for a third time. Returning to emcee the event for the second year is CNBC News Anchor Amanda Drury.

The awards event will be preceded in the morning of December 1 with an associated event, Platts Global Energy Outlook Forum, which features panel discussions with executives, government officials and industry leaders on the topic of "The World's Quest for Clean Energy."

Corporate and industry representatives who wish to attend the awards dinner are asked to register in advance. Accredited media who wish to attend can register here.

For the full list of 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards finalists or for more information on the Awards, visit the Platts Global Energy Awards website.

About Platts: Founded in 1909, Platts is a leading global provider of energy, petrochemicals and metals information and a premier source of benchmark prices for the physical and futures markets. Platts' news, pricing, analytics, commentary and conferences help customers make better-informed trading and business decisions and help the markets operate with greater transparency and efficiency. Customers in more than 150 countries benefit from Platts' coverage of the carbon emissions, coal, electricity, oil, natural gas, metals, nuclear power, petrochemical, and shipping markets.  A division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), Platts is headquartered in New York with more than 900 employees in more than 15 offices worldwide. Additional information is available at http://www.platts.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies: Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global financial information and education company that helps professionals and students succeed in the Knowledge Economy. With leading brands including Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts energy information services and J.D. Power and Associates, the Corporation has approximately 21,000 employees with more than 280 offices in 40 countries.  Sales in 2010 were $6.2 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

SOURCE Platts