Young professionals show power to transform sector
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Young people working in the renewables industry were praised for their "inspirational" commitment and talent at an awards ceremony that recognised young professionals.
Nine up-and-coming workers were honoured at the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, which were held in Glasgow at the end of May.
Workers from the Moray East wind farm and Orkney Islands Council were among those who received awards, along with Daniel Coles from Simec Atlantis Energy, who won the analyst award for his work in optimising MeyGen, the largest tidal power station in the world. Its turbines now produce 20 per cent more energy thanks to Daniel’s efforts.
The winners were selected from a shortlist of 39 young professionals working across various parts of the sector.
Shane Hand, from Ferguson Marine Engineering in Inverclyde, scooped the innovator award for his work on HySeas III, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry powered entirely by fuel from renewable sources.
The University of Strathclyde’s Hannah Houston took home the judges award for her development of a pioneering interactive wind energy project, which brought together students from Glasgow, Strathclyde and Caledonian universities to consider all aspects wind farm planning.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, the industry body which organises the awards, said: “Once again the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards bring the renewables industry together to recognise the contributions being made by its upcoming leaders.
“The standard of talent showcased by all of our shortlisted entrants is truly inspiring.
“The skills, professionalism and passion shown by the winners demonstrate their commitment to their careers. I encourage them to maintain the same determination as they grow and develop to shape the future of the renewables industry.”
The full list of winners was:
- Academic award (sponsored by the Energy Technology Partnership): Hazel Smith, University of Strathclyde
- Achiever award: Eibhlin Lee, Orkney Islands Council
- Analyst award: Daniel Coles, Simec Atlantis Energy
- Apprentice award (sponsored by Centre for Work Based Learning in Scotland): Ethan Glencross, Renewable Parts Ltd
- Engineer award (sponsored by ESB): Andrew Herdman, Ferguson Marine Engineering
- Innovator award: Shane Hand, Ferguson Marine Engineering
- Project development award: Ross Cottam, Moray East offshore wind farm
- Professional service award (sponsored by WSP): Adele Brownlie, Moray East offshore wind farm
- Judges award (sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables): Hannah Houston, University of Strathclyde
Jonathan Cole, managing director of Iberdrola’s Global Offshore Wind Business, said: “The level of talent showcased at the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards this year has been exceptional and I’d like to pass my congratulations on to all of the worthy winners.
“Renewable energy has a vital role to play in the decarbonisation of our country and in particular achieving the bold target of net-zero. With the talent that has been on show this evening, I’m proud to say that the future of our industry is in very safe hands.”
Guests also heard from finalist Blair Cruickshank, from headline sponsor ScottishPower Renewables, who was invited to speak about his role in setting up an LGBT+ network and the positive impact this has had in supporting his colleagues in the workplace.
Next year’s Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will feature a new category, the culture change award, which will give recognition to people who change the culture of their organisation for the better.
The winners of the 2019 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will go on to compete for the young and inspiring award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards, which will be held in Edinburgh on December 5.
