Europe's top green energy producer Statkraft backs community project trophy at the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards
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Government and big business do not have a monopoly on green energy.
Across the Highlands and Islands, communities have been investing in their own renewable energy projects.
Sometimes this is to safeguard their own energy supply, while for others, such as Point and Sandwick Trust on the Isle of Lewis, such projects generate income as well as electricity, making transformative community projects possible.
These are the sort of projects which will be recognised at SHREC, the Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference and Awards 2022, on Thursday, June 23.
The best community energy award – just one of the 10 categories – will be presented to the best renewable energy project led by a community group or organisation.
The successful project, which must have been completed or reached financial conclusion within the last 24 months, will have made a significant contribution to the local economy, spreading confidence and demonstrating practical results though the entire community.
Supporting the award this year is Europe’s leading renewable electricity generator, Statkraft, whose wind power portfolio includes planned or current projects in Sutherland, Shetland, Moray and Inverness-shire.
Statkraft’s community liaison manager Seumas Skinner said: “Statkraft has been making clean energy possible for over a century. Today, we are the largest generator of renewable energy in Europe, investing 100 per cent of growth in renewables.
“Our approach to engaging with communities is centred on our ‘good neighbour’ ethos – we are determined to be an ethical, positive contributor to the local community and economy.
“Benefits from our projects go far beyond the production of renewable energy. A big part of the Statkraft story is a commitment to working at a local level: establishing community liaison groups, providing opportunities for local investment and generating significant economic and community benefits.
“Our support for SHREC is a natural progression of that. During our time developing and building projects in the Highlands, we have met so many locals passionate about creating a better future. We are therefore very pleased to sponsor the best community energy project to celebrate those who are dedicating their time and skills to bring forward local renewable energy initiatives.
“We are proud to be supporting SHREC and we look forward to seeing many fine organisations and individuals recognised for their valuable work.”
The deadline for entries is Friday, May 20, and full details of the entry criteria can be found at www.hnmedia.co.uk/renewable-energy-day, along with details of how to attend the online event and sponsorship opportunities.
The Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards will follow the 11th SHREC conference, which, like the awards, is presented by north media group Highland News & Media and leading law firm Harper Macleod and will also take place in a virtual format.
For more information on the conference, including the speakers and how to log on from anywhere in the world, visit Harper Macleod’s events page at https://events.harpermacleod.co.uk/events
To register interest in the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards and find out more about the open categories, please visit www.hnmedia.co.uk/renewable-energy-day
