The shortlist for this year's Young Professionals Green Energy Awards has been announced today (March 27), recognising the emerging talent driving Scotland's renewable energy sector.

Organised by Scottish Renewables, the annual awards celebrate the young professionals who are demonstrating innovation and ambition in shaping the future of clean energy in Scotland.

More than 30 individuals have been shortlisted across eight categories. Notable finalists include Megan Martin, a Design Engineer at Tony Gee and Partners LLP, for her leading role in designing the turbine foundations for the Viking wind farm, and Obey Suleyman, a PhD student at the University of Strathclyde, for his research on sustainable manufacturing of wind turbine components. Ben Young, an engineer at SLR, has been recognised for his work on export and inter-array cable system designs.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, commented on the nominees: "The future of Scotland’s renewable energy industry is in the hands of a new wave of trailblazers as we see first-hand a new generation of leaders who are actively shaping the future of our industry. The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards recognise those at the forefront of this transformation which will be crucial in supporting the continued drive towards a sustainable Scotland powered by clean energy. To be nominated for these awards is a remarkable accomplishment in itself and I truly hope this recognition will inspire each nominee to build on the exceptional work they have already contributed to our industry, paving the way for even greater achievements."


The winners of the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards will be announced at a ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, on May 1. They will also be put forward for the Young and Inspiring Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards later this year.

The full list of finalists is as follows:

Academic Award, sponsored by ETP

• Millie Anderson, ORE Catapult

• Connor Jordan, The University of Edinburgh

• Jake Scott, Story Scotland

• Obey Suleyman, AMRL, University of Strathclyde

Analyst Award, sponsored Ocean Winds

• Marta Bera, Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm

• Martin Brown, WSP

• Elizabeth Dimitrova, Renewable Parts

• Suzie Saunders, ScottishPower Renewables

Culture Change Award

• Hannah Belford, SSE Renewables

• Isobel Green, SSEN Transmissio

• Millie Zagulak, Xodus

Engineer Award, sponsored by ESB

• Isobel Green, SSEN Transmission

• Megan Martin, Tony Gee and Partners LLP

• Harry Ross, Tony Gee and Partners LLP

• Ben Young, SLR

Innovator Award

• Lewis Bates, SSEN Transmission

• Megan Martin, Tony Gee and Partners LLP

• Sian O'Malley, SSEN Transmission

Personal Improvement Award

• Andrew Fischbacher, Ocean Winds

• Cerys Gordon, Flotation Energy

• Reuben Sharp, LOC Hire

• Kimberly Thomson, Scottish Enterprise

• Adanna Ugo-Okoye, Statkraft

Professional Service Award, sponsored by SLR

• Hannah Belford, SSE Renewables

• Kudakwashe Chinyani, CMS

• Katie Forrest, IGNE

• Chloe Giles, Pier Solutions

• Megan Martin, Tony Gee and Partners LLP

Project Development Award

• Emanuele Dentis, Northland Power

• Rachel Forbes, BayWa r.e. UK

• Ellen Kane, ScottishPower Renewables

• Aleks Schmidt-Sweetingham, Ocean Winds