Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm among winners at the 2019 Scottish Green Energy Awards in Edinburgh
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The Scottish renewables industry capped off another year of innovation and progress as members came together for the Scottish Green Energy Awards.
The country's largest offshore wind farm was among those to take home prizes at the 2019 awards, with the £2.6 billion Beatrice farm chosen by the judges for a special accolade.
The 588MW wind farm, which was officially opened this summer by Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, was shortlisted in three categories – for its engagement with local communities, its innovative installation techniques and for its world-leading safety standards.
Despite not picking up any of these awards at the ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday, December 5, it was presented with the night's highest accolade, the judges' award.
The winners were selected by a panel of 12 judges from a shortlist of 44, and announced in front of more than 1200 guests from across the renewable energy industry in Scotland and the UK.
Pict Offshore took home the best innovation award for its transformative Get up Safe system, which provides ladder-free access to offshore wind turbines, increasing accessibility and significantly reducing costs, while Aberdeen City Council was recognised for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, through developing the city’s hydrogen transport economy and supply chain, taking home the sustainable development award.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse was also honoured at the awards, which saw winners in 12 categories receive trophies recognising their work in the sector, which employs 17,700 people.
Claire Mack, chief executive of award organisers Scottish Renewables, said: “Once again, the Scottish Green Energy Awards showcase the truly incredible innovation, drive and passion of those working within our industry.
“The diverse range of projects shortlisted highlights the phenomenal skillset of our industry – one which continues to push the boundaries of innovation, maintaining Scotland’s place as a world leader in renewable energy.
“The commitment, knowledge and hard work of those within the industry is making a significant positive impact on Scotland’s economy as we continue to mitigate carbon emissions and work towards achieving net zero by 2045.
“The Scottish Green Energy Awards is the perfect place to come together to celebrate the achievements of our industry and the inspirational people and organisations within it. My congratulations go to all nominees, and of course the winners.”
SSE Renewables, the major stakeholder in Beatrice – the fourth largest operational offshore wind farm in the world – said it was thrilled to have been singled out by the judges on the evening.
Steve Wilson, former project director of Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm and now project director of Dogger Bank Wind Farms, said: “After over 10 years of development and construction, the fourth largest offshore wind farm in the world is an outstanding project in its own right.
“We’re incredibly proud to be taking away the prestigious judges’ award at this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards. To be nominated among our peers is an honour itself so we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the grand prix. It’s recognition of the excellent work of the team to both deliver and now operate Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm.”
The 2019 Scottish Green Energy Awards was headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables.
EDF Renewables’ chief executive officer Matthieu Hue said: “This year’s awards have been the biggest and best we have seen so far and I would like to congratulate all the very worthy winners of the awards. It is clear to me that together as an industry we are a force for good, working as hard as we can to decarbonise our sector.
“We focus on building great projects as well as making the most of existing renewables and are always looking at new and better ways to make a difference.”
The full list of winners is:
- Young and inspiring award, sponsored by WSP: Ethan Glencross, Renewable Parts
- Best practice award, sponsored by Natural Power: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks for Biodiversity Net Gain Approach and Site Optioneering Toolkit
- Best engagement award, sponsored by Xodus Group: Fife Council for Glenrothes Energy Network
- Best innovation award, sponsored by Red Rock Power Limited: Pict Offshore for the Get up Safe system
- Contribution to skills award, sponsored by Scottish Government (Scottish National Investment Bank): ESP for Wind and Marine Training Network
- Sustainable development award, sponsored by ABB: Aberdeen City Council for hydrogen strategy
- Champion of renewables award, sponsored by National Grid ESO: Dave Pearson, Star Renewable Energy
- Best community project award, sponsored by SSE Renewables: Canna Renewable Energy and Electrification Limited for the CREE Project, Isle of Canna
- Carbon reduction award, sponsored by SmartestEnergy: Balfour Beatty, Dundee City Council and ESB for Caird Park Low Carbon District Energy Hub
- Outstanding service award, sponsored by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group: Green Marine
- Outstanding project award, sponsored by innogy Renewables UK Ltd: SP Energy Networks for Green Economy Fund
- Outstanding contribution award, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise: Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Scottish Government
- Judges' award: Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm
