Scottish Renewables Revamps Green Energy Awards

Rising stars in Scotland’s renewable energy industry will be recognised for the first time at Scottish Renewables’ sell-out Green Energy Awards 2014.

Nominations for the prestigious prizes are now open, with new categories for 2014 also recognising the best in renewable energy photography, Engineering Excellence, and export success.

The coveted awards, sponsored by EDF Energy are presented at sell-out 1,120-strong dinner in Edinburgh, and showcase the best in renewable energy talent, projects and innovation.

This year’s new Rising Star award will go to the student, graduate or recent recruit who has made the most outstanding impact in the renewables industry to date.

Nominees in 13 categories – including Best Innovation and Champion of Renewables – will vie to follow in the footsteps of last year’s impressive group of winners, including Diageo Scotland and Clearfleau, SSE, Fife Council and the Energy Skills Partnership.

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The Green Energy Awards are well-established as the premier prizes for the renewables industry in Scotland, and highly regarded by the profession.

“They are designed to recognise excellence, achievement and innovation right across the industry – from community renewables to large developers, and from architects and engineers to writers and photographers.”

There are only four weeks in which to submit a nomination for one of the 13 awards, which will be handed out at the EICC in Edinburgh on November 27.

A worthy new recipient of the highly-prized Outstanding Contribution Award, last year handed to Neil Kermode of Orkney’s pioneering European Marine Energy Centre, will also be announced on the night.

Mr Stuart, who is also Chair of the Scottish Green Energy Awards judging panel, added: “Winners of the Green Energy Awards are the pioneers and innovators making a real difference to our environment, economy and society – and how better to recognise them than in front of their peers at one of the largest business awards ceremonies of the year in Scotland.”

The closing date for entries is September 5, and shortlisted candidates will be announced at a special networking reception to be held at Glasgow Science Centre on October 2.