Tim Stiven, who studied at Edinburgh University and now works at OceanPower Renewables, has scooped the Best Student Project Award in this year’s Green Energy Awards.
The prestigious accolades – run by industry body Scottish Renewables and now in their ninth year – took place last night in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The event was hosted by Fred MacAulay and a keynote speech was delivered by Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore.
Tim Stiven won the award for his study which looked at the implications both for projects and for equity investors of varying resource estimates on returns in tidal energy projects.
The Awards celebrate Scotland’s success in tackling climate change, creating a low carbon economy and maintaining its global lead in the green energy industry. They recognise innovation, enterprise and excellence in the renewable energy industry, from student and community projects to best business and outstanding contribution to the sector.
New figures from Scottish Renewables show that Scotland is on track to surpass the Government’s target of 31 per cent of all electricity demand to be met from renewables by 2011.
Speaking at the organisation’s annual dinner and awards for outstanding contribution to the growth of the industry in Edinburgh last night, Chief Executive Niall Stuart acknowledged the part played by individuals such as Tim in driving forward the industry:
“Congratulations to Tim Stiven on his award. Together, this year’s Green Energy Award winners will deliver huge economic and environmental benefits to communities across Scotland, and it’s all thanks to the determination, ambition and ideas of those like Tim.
“Scotland’s renewables industry has grown faster and further than anyone dared to hope even a few years ago. We now have over 4GW of developments in operation – enough to generate 32 per cent of the annual demand for electricity from every home and business in the country.”
Tim Stiven said:
“I’m delighted to have been made this award. I hope it enthuses others to take their courage in their hands and head for quality education as a way of joining a new and vibrant industry that is growing in Scotland and the UK. It’s certain that the energy industry in the near future will need all sorts of people with transferable skills from a variety of markets – Scotland has a great network of academic institutions to support it.”
Speaking on behalf of REpower UK, sponsors of the Best Student Project Award, Rick Eggleston, Managing Director said:
“REpower UK is proud to be sponsoring the Best Student Project category for the third year. The award recognises the talent, innovation and dedication present in our universities and we hope that it encourages a few students to look at the fantastic career opportunities available to them in the renewables industry.”
