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Scotland’s rising renewable energy stars celebrated at Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026

21/08/26 | News release
YPGEA2026 winners

Scotland’s next generation of renewable energy leaders were celebrated last night (August 20) at the Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026.

The annual awards, organised by Scottish Renewables, shine a spotlight on the talented young professionals whose passion, innovation and ambition are helping to drive forward Scotland’s clean energy future.

This year’s winners included:

  • Elyse Millard, Orbital Marine Power, winner of the Analyst Award, sponsored by Ocean Winds, for developing innovative engineering tools that improve the performance and reliability of tidal stream technology.
  • Natalie Leader, Natural Power, winner of the new Communicator Award, for championing marginalised voices and helping strengthen community engagement and public support for renewable energy.
  • Aaron Hannah, Synergie Environ, winner of the Engineer Award, sponsored by ESB, for leading first-of-its-kind feasibility work on a £9 million biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system that could provide a new model for industrial decarbonisation.
  • Morgan Darroch, Ecocel Services, winner of the Judges Award, for her determination and initiative in building a career in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) and taking on increasing responsibility in the field.

Recognition also went to:

  • Personal Improvement Award, sponsored by ECOHire; Niall Gibb, GE Vernova.
  • Academic Award, sponsored by SPEERI; Thomas Maider, Synergie Environ.
  • Culture Change Award; Usamah Iqbal, Pegasus Group.
  • Project Development Award, Felicity Devanney, Statkraft.
  • Innovator Award; Camila Zamora, Ocean Winds.
  • Professional Service Award, sponsored by SLR; Gordon Thomson, Vekta Group.

They joined other rising stars from across Scotland’s renewable energy sector in receiving accolades at this year’s awards, which brought together renewable energy professionals at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

The 2026 awards also saw the introduction of the Communicator Award, recognising the growing importance of clear, creative and effective communication in building understanding and support for Scotland’s transition to clean energy.

The winners were selected from more than 30 finalists across nine categories, following judging by a panel of experts from across the renewable energy industry.

Angela Hepworth, CEO of Scottish Renewables, said:

“Tonight’s winners represent some of the very best talent coming through Scotland’s renewable energy industry and demonstrate the important contribution young professionals are already making across our sector.

“Their ideas, expertise and commitment are helping to advance new technologies, strengthen communities and find new ways to deliver the clean energy transition, while building the skills and experience our industry will need for the future.

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and excited to see what they do next.”

The winners of the Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026 will also be put forward for the Young & Inspiring Award at The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2026 later this year, the UK’s largest annual celebration of renewable energy.

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