Engineer Award winner saved employer £250,000
17-year-old analyst given Special Commendation for development of bespoke SMART training course
Ten up-and-coming green energy stars have been honoured at the 2018 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.
Winners included James Williamson, who won the Engineer Award for saving employer SSE over £250,000 by suggesting refurbishing rather than replacing a damaged valve at Quoich Dam in the Highlands.
The talented young engineer used algebraic equations to produce a 3D model of the part – cutting costs and ensuring the 63-year-old scheme continued producing green energy.
He joins nine others in receiving honours at the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, which were held in Glasgow last night (May 24).
Also honoured were John Freeburn, a serviceman turned wind turbine technician who won the Apprentice Award for working with Windhoist’s huge cranes to grow Europe’s wind fleet, and Sarah Cochetel, who won the Project Manager Award for delivering more than 100 solar PV projects during her time with Wood.
Hannah Greening of EDF Renewables was handed the coveted Judges Award for her management of the Corriemoillie Wind Farm Blanket Mire Restoration Project.
The youngest finalist of the evening was 17-year-old whizzkid Gavin Kitching, who received a Special Commendation from the judges. The ScottishPower Energy Networks analyst was nominated for managing “vast quantities of data” on the company’s UK smart meter roll-out.
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, the industry body which organises the awards, said: “I’m very impressed by the level of talent showcased at the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards this year.
“The winners have shown skills beyond their years of experience and they’re certainly punching well above their weight in their new careers. They are truly the best and brightest of our industry.
“What stands out for me is the dedication and professionalism shown by all of our shortlisted entrants. Their achievements absolutely demonstrate their commitment to both their careers and to the future of renewable energy.”
The full list of winners is:
- Academic Award (Sponsored by the Energy Technology Partnership): Merlinda Andoni, Heriot-Watt University
- Achiever Award (Sponsored by Hurley Palmer Flatt): James Shearer, SP Energy Networks
- Apprentice Award (Sponsored by Centre for Work Based Learning in Scotland): John Freeburn, Windhoist
- Business Development Award: Fred Pullar, Renewable Parts Ltd
- Communicator Award: Lorna Archer, Bright Green Hydrogen Ltd
- Engineer Award (Sponsored by ESB): James Williamson, SSE
- Innovator Award (Sponsored by Highlands & Islands Enterprise): Ross Tierney, SP Energy Networks
- Professional Award (Sponsored by WSP): Marc Costa-Ros, Wood
- Project Manager Award: Sarah Cochetel, Wood
- Judges Award (Sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables): Hannah Greening, EDF Renewables
- Special Commendation: Gavin Kitching, SP Energy Networks
ScottishPower Renewables was the headline sponsor of the 2018 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.
Lindsay McQuade, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “The renewable energy industry offers a diverse range of highly-skilled career opportunities, and the YPGEA again this year has highlighted that our sector can attract very talented people. All of the winners and nominees richly deserve to be recognised for their outstanding work.
“As our industry continues the fight against climate change in the years ahead, and as we aim to break even more records for the amount of green electricity being delivered, it is encouraging to see that the future of renewables in Scotland is in very safe hands.”
The winners of the 2018 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 6.
- Scottish Renewables, which organises the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, is the voice of renewable energy in Scotland and aims to grow Scotland’s renewable energy sector and sustain its position at the forefront of the global clean energy industry.
- Judging for the awards was carried out by a panel including Energy Technology Partnership, Hurley Palmer Flatt, Centre for Work-Based Learning in Scotland, Muirhall Energy, ScottishPower Renewables, ESB, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and WSP.
- Professional images from the event are available. Please contact Eilidh Clark, Communications Manager at Scottish Renewables, for images. These images are free to use only in conjunction with the 2018 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards. Credit Tim Winterburn.
- The full shortlist of finalists for the 2018 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, along with more information about the awards, is available here.
- Interviews with winners can be arranged. Please contact Eilidh Clark, Communications Manager at Scottish Renewables, with enquiries.
