Scottish Green Energy Awards opens to nominations

Nominations for this year’s instalment of the UK’s largest renewable energy awards have officially opened today.

And organisers Scottish Renewables has confirmed that, Covid allowing, the Scottish Green Energy Awards will take place in-person in Edinburgh in December.

Last year’s showcase had to be held online due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

The trade body said the 2021 event will comply with the “latest government guidelines” in order to ensure the health and safety of attendees.

Eleven categories are up for grabs, with submissions welcome from all renewable energy technologies, including wind, hydro, solar, wave, low-carbon heat and more.

Categories this year include the Best Innovation Award, Best Engagement Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award – nominations close in September.

The awards ceremony on December 2 will be hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield.

Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we will be celebrating Scotland’s renewable energy industry in-person at this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards.

“In the year of COP26, the eyes of the world are on Scotland and The Scottish Green Energy Awards are another opportunity to showcase the critical role and impact the renewable energy industry is playing in our fight against climate change.

“Each year I am inspired by the talent, passion and innovation showcased by those who are doing ground-breaking work to decarbonise our energy system.

“I am looking forward to industry uniting in-person in December to raise a glass to celebrate the truly incredible work being done by our industry as we work towards our net-zero ambition.”

© Mick McGurk

The event, headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables, will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Nominations are now being accepted in the following categories:

• Best Community Project Award (sponsored by The Scottish National Investment Bank)
• Best Engagement Award (sponsored by Smartest Energy)
• Best Innovation Award (sponsored by Red Rock Power Limited)
• Carbon Reduction Award (sponsored by Statkraft)
• Champion of Renewables Award
• Contribution to Skills Award (sponsored by SSE Renewables)
• Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise)
• Outstanding Project Award (sponsored by RWE Renewables)
• Outstanding Service Award (sponsored by Green Investment Group)
• Positive Improvement Award (sponsored by Natural Power)
• Sustainable Development Award (sponsored by Hitachi ABB)

The shortlist for the Young and Inspiring Award, sponsored by WSP, consists of the eight winners of May’s 2021 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.

Meanwhile, the winner of non-enterable Judges Award, sponsored by Ocean Winds, will also be announced on the night.

Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables, the event’s headline sponsor, said: “I’m really looking forward to being able to see more people in person, covid permitting, at this year’s hotly-anticipated Scottish Green Energy Awards in this important year of COP26 in Glasgow.

“It’s the event the whole industry looks forward to so we can hear about the amazing things that have been achieved across the year in spite of difficult circumstances.”