Shortlist announced for Young Professionals Green Energy Awards

12/05/20 | News release
YPGEA20

Almost 30 finalists of the 2020 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards are announced today (May 12).

Those shortlisted have shown their enthusiasm to drive change within the sector by undertaking key research to help shape the future, supporting renewable energy development in communities and improving the efficiency of project processes.  

That shortlist includes:

  • James Ferguson, Hydrogen Research Engineer at the European Marine Energy Centre and IDCORE, who is undertaking research on the potential of a green hydrogen economy in Orkney. His findings will enable industry to gain a detailed understanding of what drives the economics of this new fuel.
  • Gemma Murray, CARES Development Officer at Local Energy Scotland, has facilitated the combined installation of 542kW of building integrated solar PV across Scotland by supporting communities to make the most of the extension to the Feed-in Tariff.
  • Andrew McGregor, Transmission Infrastructure Project Engineer at Moray East Offshore Windfarm, has played a key role in developing and improving offshore project processes to save time and construction costs whilst ensuring high standards for working practices and safety are maintained.
  • Molly Harris, HR Officer at the European Marine Energy Centre, has been key in raising awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace and has changed company procedures to ensure staff wellbeing is always a central focus and part of the organisation’s culture.

The above finalists are just a few of the rising stars in renewables who have been shortlisted in eight different categories. The full list of finalists is available here.

The awards, which would normally be presented in front of around 250 guests at the black-tie event in Glasgow, were launched in 2015 to showcase the range of bright and innovative talent in the sector.

Due to coronavirus, this year’s awards will be presented online through social media during the first ever Young Professionals in Green Energy Awards Week from June 15 – 19.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “It’s hugely inspiring to see the standard of nominations submitted for the awards. The skill and innovation which exists among the young professionals working within our sector is once again showcased with these nominees.

“Recognising those who are pioneering new ideas and have the drive and ambition to shape the future of renewable energy industry is incredibly important to Scottish Renewables, and I am thrilled that we have been able to take the event online. 

“Those shortlisted should be extremely proud of their achievements, and we hope that being a finalist in the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will encourage them to grow further and develop their careers in the sector.” 

The full list of categories this year is:

  • Academic Award, sponsored by Energy Technology Partnership
  • Analyst Award
  • Apprentice Award
  • Culture Change Award
  • Engineer Award, sponsored by ESB
  • Innovator Award
  • Professional Service Award, sponsored by WSP
  • Project Development Award

Winners of the Young Professional Green Energy Awards will also be put forward for the Young and Inspiring Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards later this year.

Notes:

  • Scottish Renewables, which organises the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, 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 sector and sustain its position at the forefront of the global clean energy industry.
  • The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards is sponsored by Energy Technology Partnership, ESB, FoSho CREW, Muirhall Energy, WSP, WWS Renewables, and is supported by our official media partner reNews.
  • Judging for the awards was carried out by a panel including Arcus Consulting, Centre for Work-based Learning in Scotland, Energy Technology Partnership, ITPEnergised, Muirhall Energy, Natural Power and WSP.
  • Photographs from last year’s event are available here.
  • More information about the awards can be found here.
  • Event hashtag is #YPGEA20, and we are @ScotRenew