Gravitricity’s novel system, which uses excess electricity to winch weights to charge the system and then releases these when energy is required, was announced as winner of the Best Innovation Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards.

The Scottish Renewables event returned to Edinburgh last night where more than 1,000 people saw winners in 13 categories receive trophies recognising their work in the clean energy sector, which supports 22,660 jobs.

Michael Matheson MSP, cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport, gave a keynote address highlighting the important role renewable energy will play in Scotland’s journey to net zero.

Among the award winners were:

• West Dunbartonshire Council and Vital Energi who took home the Carbon Reduction Award for The Queens Quay Water Source Heat Pump project which harnesses heat from the River Clyde and distributes it via a 2.5km district heating network to significantly reduce carbon emissions and provide 82% of the heat demand on the development.
• Bespoke Community Development Company was announced as the winner of the Best Community Project Award for its 900kw Greencraig Community Wind Turbine which will over its lifetime, generate 55.4GWh of renewable electricity, offsetting more than 15K tonnes of CO2 and provide up to £1.2m in community benefit payments.
• European Marine Energy Centre scooped the Champion of Renewables Award for its world-first ocean energy test facility which continues to act as an advocate and exemplar for the marine renewables industry across the world.

The winners were selected by a panel of 14 judges from a shortlist of 43.

Morag Watson, director of Policy at Scottish Renewables, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our industry has been able to reunite in-person to celebrate this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards - and it feels more special than ever in the year of COP26.

“It’s truly astounding to see the leaps of innovation and phenomenal talent of our industry on this evening’s shortlist and it really does highlight why Scotland is a world leader in renewable energy.

“The next decade is going to need everyone and everything we’ve got as we work towards net-zero by 2045, and the skillset, hard work and commitment of those recognised tonight absolutely shows we have what it takes.

“The Scottish Green Energy Awards are an incredible celebration of the inspirational organisations, people and projects going above and beyond to make a real difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland. My congratulations go to all off this year’s nominees, and of course winners.”

The 2021 Scottish Green Energy Awards was headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables.

EDF Renewables’ CEO UK & Ireland, Matthieu Hue, said: “It’s been a great night of achievement and we’ve had so many fantastic entries I’m sure the judges had a difficult job picking the winners.

“It fills me with hope for the future when I see how dedicated, innovative and determined people are to really make renewables something Scotland can be very proud of.”

The full list of winners is:

• Best Engagement Award, sponsored by SmartestEnergy: Muirhall Energy Ltd for Crossdykes Wind Farm
• Best Community Project Award, sponsored by Scottish National Investment Bank: Bespoke Community Development Company for Greencraig Community Wind Turbine
• Young & Inspiring Award, sponsored by WSP: Fraser Stewart, University of Strathclyde
• Best Innovation Award, sponsored by Red Rock Power Limited: Gravitricity
• Contribution to Skills Award, sponsored by SSE Renewables: ESP for Energy Efficiency Training Network
• Outstanding Project Award, sponsored by RWE Renewables: Dumfries & Galloway College
• Positive Improvement Award, sponsored by Natural Power: Pegasus Welfare Solutions for In-Tower Turbine Toilet
• Champion of Renewables Award, sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland: European Marine Energy Centre
• Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by Green Investment Group: Blargoans Ltd
• Sustainable Development Award, sponsored by Hitachi Energy: Allt an Lagain Hydro Scheme
• Carbon Reduction Award, sponsored by Statkraft: West Dunbartonshire Council and Vital Energi for Queens Quay Water Source Heat Pump Project
• Judges Award, sponsored by Ocean Winds: Natural Power
• Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise: John Robertson, Crown Estate Scotland