Scottish Green Energy Awards – an Edinburgh winner

Aquamarine Power Limited has scooped a prize in this year’s Green Energy Awards.

The prestigious accolades – run by industry body Scottish Renewables and now in their ninth year – took place 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.

Aquamarine Power Limited won the Best Renewable Innovation Award for its Oyster wave power device. 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, Chief Executive Niall Stuart acknowledged the part played by companies Aquamarine in driving forward the industry:-“Congratulations to Aquamarine. 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 companies like Aquamarine. 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.”

Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power said:-“The Scottish Green Energy Awards are a great celebration of all the successes of the renewables industry in Scotland, and to be recognised by our peers is a real honour. We have a brilliant team at Aquamarine Power and this award is recognition of their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. Winning this award is the perfect end to a fantastic year for Aquamarine Power.”

Speaking on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, sponsors of the Best Renewable Innovation Award category, Adrian Gillespie, Director of Energy & Low Carbon Technologies said:-“Innovation and successful commercialisation of renewable energy technologies has never held such importance than it does now in achieving 2020 targets. The Best Renewable Innovation award reflects Scottish Enterprise’s ambitions for Scotland and we encourage, support and applaud pioneers of new and improved technologies, processes and services that help place Scotland at the forefront of renewable energy and low carbon developments.”