Next generation of leaders set to shine as shortlist for prestigious awards is unveiled
Future leaders of Scotland’s renewable energy industry have been shortlisted today (July 3) for the prestigious Young Professionals Green Energy Awards 2026.
The annual awards, organised by Scottish Renewables, recognise those working in Scotland’s renewable energy industry who have demonstrated passion, innovation and a relentless ambition to drive forward Scotland’s clean power future.
More than 30 rising stars have been shortlisted across nine categories including the inaugural Communicator Award.
The shortlist includes:
- Joseph Ogunjobi, Development Communications Advisor at Statkraft, who has initiated and led a project to incorporate SolarAid into Statkraft’s public engagement materials, promoting SolarAid to rural communities in Scotland and beyond.
- Gordon Thomson, Technical Advisory Team Lead at Vekta Group, who regularly hosts and delivers Lunchtime Learner programme sessions covering technical knowledge, project lessons learned and wider topics affecting employees personally or professionally.
- Elyse Millard, Mechanical Engineer at Orbital Marine Power, who has advanced Scotland’s tidal energy sector through innovative modelling and developed reusable engineering tools that support turbine performance, reliability and future development.
The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will be hosted by Scottish Renewables at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, on August 20.
Susie Lind, Chair of Scottish Renewables, said:
“These are exciting times for Scotland’s renewable industry with energy at the forefront of the national conversation. With that in mind, it is encouraging to see a new wave of innovators and pioneers leading the way to shape a future powered by clean energy.
“The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards celebrate those at the forefront of what happens next, recognising the creative and innovative thinking needed to challenge convention and break down barriers.
“We hope that this recognition will serve as inspiration for the nominees to continue their exceptional work which has already enhanced our industry and drive them towards even greater achievements."
Winners of the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will also be put forward for the Young and Inspiring Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards later this year.
The full list of finalists is available below:
Academic Award, sponsored by SPEERI
- Ayatte Atteya, Robert Gordon University
- Thomas Maider, Synergie Environ
- Lara Santos Ayllon, European Marine Energy Centre
- Wiktor Skrzypkowski, Renewable Parts
Analyst Award, sponsored by Ocean Winds
- Rohit Alexander, Statkraft
- Elyse Millard, Orbital Marine Power
- Tom Noble, Community Energy Scotland
- Tim Sinclair, Boralex
Communicator Award, *New for 2026*
- Martha Bytof, Greenwheel Electric
- Natalie Leader, Natural Power
- Joseph Ogunjobi, Statkraft
- Rachel Young, WSP
Culture Change Award
- Usamah Iqbal, Pegasus Group
- Joseph Ogunjobi, Statkraft
- Gordon Thomson, Vekta Group
Engineer Award, sponsored by ESB
- Aaron Hannah, Synergie Environ
- Jack Ireland, Green Cat Renewables
- Jules Jauffret, Ocean Winds
- Sam Rendall, Orbital Marine Power
- Alwin Tomy, Vekta Group
Innovator Award
- Elyse Millard, Orbital Marine Power
- Emily Pidcock, Vekta Group
- Zak Thomson, Emtelle
- Rachel Young, WSP
- Camilla Zamora, Ocean Winds
Personal Improvement Award, sponsored by ECOHire
- Jack Comerford, Community Energy Scotland
- Morgan Darroch, Ecocel Services
- Niall Gibb, GE Vernova
- Leon Smillie, Terra Mechanica Maris
Professional Service Award, sponsored by SLR
- Nina Brundage, Ocean Winds
- Gordon Thomson, Vekta Group
- Tamara Trefzer, Tetra Tech
- Marianne Wilson, Burness Paull
Project Development Award
- Mariana Ardila, Boralex
- Felicity Devanney, Statkraft
- Trish Mujati, Wind2
- Tess Riley, Buchan Offshore Wind
Ends
Notes to editors
- Scottish Renewables is the voice of Scotland’s renewable energy industry. Our vision is for a Scotland leading the world in renewable energy. We work to grow Scotland’s renewable energy industry and sustain its position at the forefront of the global clean energy industry.
- The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards is sponsored by ECOHire, ESB, Ocean Winds, SLR, SPEERI and the official media partner is reNews.
- Judging for the awards was carried out by a panel of experts from across the renewable energy industry.
- More information about the awards is available on the Scottish Renewables website.