Onshore renewables category added to 2020 Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW addition to the categories for the 2020 Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, the prize for best onshore renewable energy project celebrates one of the most important aspects of the sector.
Onshore wind alone accounts for more than 70 per cent of the renewable energy produced in Scotland, making the biggest contribution to the more than double increase in green energy generation across the nation over the last decade.
Together with solar and renewable heat schemes, Scotland’s longest established renewable energy power source onshore wind has a vital role to play in ensuring Scotland meets its ambitious net-zero carbon targets.
The category is set to be one of the most significant of the awards announced at the second Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, organised by Highland News and Media (HNM), in association with leading independent Scottish law practice Harper Macleod.
The awards return to the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, April 30, and follow the Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC), where the latest innovations and developments in renewable energy in the region – onshore and off – will be highlighted and celebrated.
Graham Whyatt, divisional director with Everard Insurance Brokers, explained why his company had decided to support the onshore renewable energy project award.
“As a specialist marine broker we work closely with various businesses and organisations in the energy sector,” he said.
“We can help any business by giving them the right insurance advice as well as additional support and services. Renewable energy is a key component of the future of the marine industry so we feel really well placed to support the best onshore renewable energy project category.”
The judges are looking for an outstanding project – which can be be wind, hydro, solar or renewable heat – that has contributed the most towards the development of the region’s renewable energy sector.
The winner will demonstrate how it has brought economic, environmental or social benefits to the region, and its contribtion towards showcasing the Highlands and Islands as being a world capital for the development of renewables.
In their award criteria, the judges point out that the size of the project is not as important as its relative ambition, success and impact.
To qualify, the project must have been completed within the last 24 months and candidates must provide evidence showing why the project is deserving of the award.
This could include details of job creation, energy production and capacity.
Entrants must also be based, operating in, or otherwise connected to the Highlands and Islands.
To enter this or any of the other categories in the 2020 Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, or to purchase tickets for the event, visit hnmedia.co.uk/renewable-energy-day
The closing date for entries is midnight on Saturday, March 28.
Last year’s event attracted more than 200 guests, including some of the most influential figures in the renewables sector from the Highlands and Islands and beyond, and this year’s event is on track to be equally popular.
