Success at the H&I Renewable Energy Awards 2021

The second annual Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards celebrated the very best of the region’s green energy sector in a virtual event on Thursday 25^th February.

The event showcased the achievements of the sector, while also recognising and rewarding the contribution that renewable energy makes to the Highland and Islands economy and the businesses and communities at the heart of it.

Eight categories as well as the top award for outstanding achievement, chosen by the judges reflect the diversity of the sector. Categories covered offshore and onshore developments, community projects, marine operators and supply chain and services companies as well as recognising talent with the most promising individual award.

The awards follow the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference, held on the same day, which highlight the ways in which the region is pioneering new world-leading technology.

The events were organised by Highland News and Media in association with Harper Macleod.

Wick Harbour Authority won the Best Offshore Renewable Energy project and the ReFlex Orkney project led by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) came first in the Best Onshore Renewable Energy Project category. ReFlex Orkney also won the Best Smart Energy/Carbon Reduction Project prize.

The winner of the Best Community Energy project was Isle of Lewis based Point and Sandwick Community Trust. Global Energy Group came top in the Best Supply Chain Service Company.

The prize for the Best Marine operator/Supporting or Supplying Offshore Renewables went to Green Marine (UK) Ltd in Orkney. The north of Scotland offshore wind cluster, DeepWind came first in the best Public Sector Collaboration category. The cluster now boasts a membership of over 550 companies and is the largest of any supply chain cluster in the UK.

Josh King from AES Solar in Forres received the top award for the Most Promising Individual and Nicholas Gubbins, Chief Executive of Community Energy Scotland took home the Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was particularly poignant, given the upcoming retiral of Mr Gubbins at the end of March this year.

Audrey MacIver, director of energy and low carbon at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “The awards this have highlighted once again just how the renewable energy industry brings huge environmental, economic and community benefits to our region. Low carbon and renewable energy are fast-growing areas of opportunity and significant contributors to Scotland’s economy.

“A sustainable and successful energy sector in the Highlands and Islands supports wider sustainable economic growth. We’re privileged to have been able to play a part in many of the ground-breaking renewable energy projects which we’ve seen developed across the region. Tonight, my team and I would like to heartily congratulate the winners and all the nominees in this year’s awards.”