On the night of the 27 November, the green energy industry gathered at a glittering awards’ ceremony in Bath to showcase and celebrate the companies, projects and individuals at the forefront of the region’s growing renewable energy industry.
More than 100 companies entered the fifteenth annual Green Energy Awards, organised by Regen and the winners were announced at a ‘sell out’ ceremony at the magnificent venue of the Assembly Rooms in Bath.
The winners, which represent the very best examples of sustainable energy were:
- Highview Power – winner of the clean energy innovation (sponsored by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks)
- Afsheen Rashid, Repowering London – winner of the clean energy pioneer (sponsorship opportunity available)
- The Freedom Project – winner of the clean energy scheme
- VCharge – winner of the clean energy system disruptor (sponsored by Wales and West Utilities)
- Bristol City Council – Winner of the local energy leadership award
- Awel Co-op – winner of the community energy initiative (sponsored by Naturesave)
“The awards evening was a celebration of the exciting projects and great companies, communities and individuals driving the smart and sustainable energy revolution across the UK” said Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen, which organises the awards.
The winners were chosen from a high-quality shortlist of entrants from across the region by an independent panel of expert judges (see here for more).
THE WINNERS: PROJECT DETAILS
Highview Power
Highview Power has installed the world’s first liquid grid-scale air energy storage (LAES) system, specifically designed for long duration use cases – up to 200 MW/1.2 GWh – and because power and energy are separated, the system is easily and cost-effectively scalable. Renewables combined with LAES ultimately has the potential to replace traditional peaker plants fueled by natural gas and coal.
Afsheen Rashid, Repowering London
Afsheen has driven the agenda of urban community energy since 2006; from her pioneering work with Community Energy London, policy leadership with BEIS and the GLA, and underpinning the growth of Repowering itself. Most recently, Afsheen has led on a 65kW community owned solar development in the Vauxhall Gardens housing estate in Lambeth. Having previously been deemed impossible due to the govt FiT cuts, Afsheen has been relentless in finding innovative ways of making the scheme happen with partners Engie and Lambeth Council, and it is currently under construction.
The Freedom Project
Freedom Project has demonstrated smart controls for hybrid heating systems can enable lowest-cost heat decarbonisation without radical behaviour change. 75 Freedom systems, using three different ASHPs and boilers, were installed in a range of private/social homes in Bridgend in 2017. 70-80% emissions reduction from domestic heating can be achieved from renewable power, reaching 100% when coupled with green gas.
VCharge
The first system of its kind, VCharge is a highly scalable, intelligent technology platform that captures the value of flexibility present in domestic assets of different types. VCharge provides the intelligence and control necessary to symbiotically react to changes in demand and supply, enabling our transition to a cheaper and low carbon energy system. VCharge is currently operational in a number of high profile pilot projects; for example, in the Scottish islands of Mull and Orkney.
Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is leading by example in the action against climate change and has committed to Bristol becoming a carbon neutral city by the year 2050. The council’s award winning Energy Service is a driving force behind this activity, delivering projects that benefit the social, economic and environmental health of our city and partners across the region.
Awel Co-op
Awel Co-op commissioned its 4.7MW wind farm in January 2017. We want to apply in particular for our schools’ work in the past year. We have donated shares to 30 primary and secondary schools They are gaining an understanding of the coop business model and democratic participation; get the chance to visit; learn about the practical side of wind generation.