The 2020 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards (YPGEA) has announced 27 nominees.
According to the event’s organiser Scottish Renewables, those shortlisted have shown their enthusiasm to drive change within the sector by undertaking key research to help shape the future and supporting renewable energy development in communities.
The shortlist includes several leading lights, such as 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.
Another standout nominee is Gemma Murray, CARES development officer at Local Energy Scotland, who 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.
Also selected is Andrew McGregor, transmission infrastructure project engineer at Moray East Offshore Windfarm, who 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.
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 15–19 June.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack 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.”
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.