Dr Nott, who also made the final last year, has reached the last three “for innovative and inspirational activity that has resulted in practical community action on climate change across south-east New South Wales”.

Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE) has been described in the awards as an “energetic and effective grassroots community group (which) has obtained local government commitments to reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent and adopt 50 per cent renewable energy sources by the year 2020”.

CEFE began Life-Saving Energy, a project to install solar panels and wind turbines on 305 surf clubs across Australia and is also in the process of developing Australia’s first community-partnered solar farm.

Dr Nott said he was thrilled to be a finalist again, but said it was more about a CEFE group effort than an individual accolade.

“Last year we were the only volunteer group in the finals,” he said.

“All the others, like scientists and a solar company, were paid for their work, so that is gratifying.”

Dr Nott said it was an exciting time, more so if CEFE were to win.

“It would be fantastic to actually win as it would give us national coverage for some of the things we are doing.”

Dr Nott said he was “hopeful but not over confident” of winning.

“Last year we received a letter saying we were a very good contender,” he said.

“We were encouraged to enter again and told that runners-up can sometimes go better the following year, so we are in with a chance”.

With the announcement of finalists, some of Australia’s best scientists are in the running for a share of the $200,000 prize.

This year’s finalists reflect the important role science has in tackling the big issues that face Australia and the world.

From clean energy to multiple sclerosis, from water quality to quantum computing, the finalists highlight the contributions and critical work being done by Australian scientists.