Scotland's emerging clean energy leaders were recognised last night (20 August) at the Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026 in Glasgow, an annual celebration organised by Scottish Renewables.

The ceremony highlights the innovation, drive and ambition of young professionals helping to accelerate Scotland's transition to renewable energy.

Among this year's winners were:

- Elyse Millard, Orbital Marine Power – Analyst Award (sponsored by Ocean Winds), for creating advanced engineering tools that enhance the performance and reliability of tidal stream technology.

- Natalie Leader, Natural Power – the new Communicator Award, for championing marginalised voices and bolstering community engagement and public support for renewables.

- Aaron Hannah, Synergie Environ – Engineer Award (sponsored by ESB), for leading first-of-its-kind feasibility work on a £9 million biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system that could provide a new model for industrial decarbonisation.

- Morgan Darroch, Ecocel Services – Judges Award, for determination and initiative in building a career in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) and taking on growing responsibility in the field.

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Additional accolades went to:

- Personal Improvement Award (sponsored by ECOHire): Niall Gibb, GE Vernova.

- Academic Award (sponsored by SPEERI): Thomas Maider, Synergie Environ.

- Culture Change Award: Usamah Iqbal, Pegasus Group.

- Project Development Award: Felicity Devanney, Statkraft.

- Innovator Award: Camila Zamora, Ocean Winds.

- Professional Service Award (sponsored by SLR): Gordon Thomson, Vekta Group.

Winners joined peers from across Scotland's renewable energy sector at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow for the 2026 event, which introduced the Communicator Award to reflect the growing need for clear, creative and effective engagement around the clean energy transition.

The winners were chosen from more than 30 finalists across nine categories by a panel of experts from across the industry.

Angela Hepworth, CEO of Scottish Renewables, said: "Tonight's winners represent some of the very best talent coming through Scotland's renewable energy industry and demonstrate the important contribution young professionals are already making across our sector.

"Their ideas, expertise and commitment are helping to advance new technologies, strengthen communities and find new ways to deliver the clean energy transition, while building the skills and experience our industry will need for the future.

"Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. We're proud to celebrate their achievements and excited to see what they do next."

The Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026 winners will also be put forward for the Young & Inspiring Award at The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2026 later this year, the UK's largest annual celebration of renewable energy.

The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards 2026 is sponsored by ECOHire, ESB, Ocean Winds, SLR and SPEERI, with reNews as Official Media Partner. A list of previous winners and professional images from the ceremony are available online.