Projects involved in this category should study the efficiency of classical power plants (water, nuclear, coal power plants), the usage of fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil), and other raw materials. In projects dealing with transport authors may focus on the efficiency of common transportation means, the frequency of their usage, the cause of traffic jams in particular regions etc. Authors should also attempt to focus on alternative energy sources and transportation means.

Renewable Energy : Renewable energy flows involve natural phenomena such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power and hydroelectricity through to biomass and biofuels for transportation.

Bio Energy : Useful, renewable energy produced from organic matter. The conversion of the complex carbohydrates in organic matter to energy. Organic matter may either be used directly as a fuel or processed into liquids and gases. It is also known as Bio Fuels.

Non-renewable Energy-Clean & Green Advancements : Energy derived from depletable fuels (oil, gas, coal) created through lengthy geological processes and existing in limited quantities on the earth. Participants should focus on Clean and Green advancements to minimize the environmental effects of fossil fuels.

Clean Energy Technology : Clean technologies aim to give minimum harm to environment such as Clean Burning Fuels, Electric Vehicles, Fuel Cells, Hybrid Electric, Hydrogen, Zero Emissions, and Pollution Reduction

Energy Efficiency : The more efficient use of energy in order to reduce economic costs and environmental impacts. It aims to use less energy/electricity to perform the same function.

Energy Conservation : Energy conservation is different to energy efficiency in that it involves using less energy to achieve a lesser energy service, and usually requires behavioral change

Energy Business and Policies : Some issues of energy business development and energy policy development. Proposed actions as an attempt to combat growing energy problems and environmental impacts.

Judging

The IGO judges will consider the following factors when evaluating each project.

Is the participant creative in presenting the project at the science fair?

Does your research demonstrate creativity and authenticity?
Is your research problem solved in an original way?
Did you create or design your own set of unique equipment?

2. In your science fair project, did you use scientific methods and procedures?

Was your research problem stated clearly?
Did you do your initial research using scientific literature?
Did you state your variables clearly?
Did you make use of any controls?
Are your conclusions backed up by your data?
Are you aware of the limitations of your data and experiment? And, are these limitations included in your conclusion?
Did you include any recommendations for additional research?

3. Did you complete your science project thoroughly?

Have you thoroughly considered your science fair project and completed it in a systematic way with an easy-to-follow approach making use of scientific methods?
Did you fully complete all sections in your research experiment?
Have you created a project journal?
Does your project journal include detailed notes taken throughout your experiment and investigation?

4. Was the quality of your technical skills exceptional?

Did you use all of the necessary equipment to collect your data?
Did you test your project at home, at school, or in a university laboratory?
Where did you get your equipment from? Did you design it on your own? Is it something that you borrowed? Did you work in a professional laboratory?
Did you build your project on your own or did you use external assistance? If someone else helped you, do not forget to give credits to them as this is important for the judges to see.

5. Are you certain that you have clarity with all of the specifics of your science project?

6. It will also be looked at how beneficial your project can be to the society.

Judging Criteria

Research Question	Clear and focused purpose (3 points) Identifies contribution to the field of study (3 points) Testable using scientific methods (4 points)	10
Plan and Methods	– Is the experimental design well-explained and appropriate? – Are data collection methods thorough and suitable?	10
Variables	Variables are clearly defined (independent, controlled, dependent) which may have been worded as “What I changed,” “What I kept the same,” and “What I measured”	5
Background Research	– Awareness of other approaches or theories concerning the project – Familiarity with the scientific literature in the field – Solution different from existing solutions	10
Construction and Testing	Appropriate use of engineering methods; Sufficient data collected; Prototype demonstrates intended design; Prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials; Prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness.	10
Interpretation	– Is there appropriate use of mathematical and statistical methods? – Is sufficient data collected to support interpretation and conclusions?	10
Creativity and Innovation	– Does the project demonstrate significant creativity and originality? – Does it offer a unique approach or new perspective on a scientific problem/topic? – Does it display innovative thinking or creative problem-solving skills? – Does the project have potential applications or implications for the real world or scientific community?	15
Materials	– Is the material organized logically? – Are the graphics and legends clear? – Is supporting documentation displayed effectively?	5
Oral Presentation	– Communicates the relevance or importance of the research/project – Clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions – Understanding of basic science relevant to the project – Understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions – Degree of independence in conducting the project – Recognition of potential impact in science, society, and/or economics – Quality of ideas for further research – For team projects, contributions to and understanding of the project by all members	15
Overall Impression	Does the participant demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm for their project? Does the participant exhibit a good understanding of the scientific principles involved in their project? Does the project reflect a significant investment of time and effort by the participant(s)?	10