The Scottish Renewables today (27 June 2006) invited the business community and local groups across the Highlands and Islands to nominate their greenest business, politician or community project, as it launched its search for Scotland's green energy heroes.

The annual Scottish Green Energy Awards, with headline sponsorship from npower renewables, are designed to highlight the achievements of those organisations and individuals leading the way in the field of renewable energy in Scotland. 2006 has been a year of delivery for the renewables sector. Rapid progress is being made towards achieving Scotland's renewable targets, while political support remains high.

Companies throughout Scotland are invited to nominate themselves by submitting an entry, or to nominate an individual or another company that deserves recognition for its contribution to the renewable energy industry.

Scottish Renewables chief executive, Maf Smith, said: "We are delighted to be launching the fifth Scottish Green Energy Awards. The growing reputation of the awards reflects the increasing popularity of renewable energy across Scotland. Scotland is still striding ahead in the global drive to embrace renewable energy and it is our intention, through these awards, to recognise the individuals and businesses that keep Scotland at the forefront of the renewables industry."

 Submissions will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Winners will be recognised at a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh's Royal Museum on Thursday 7th December 2006. Companies may enter more than one category. Entry forms are downloadable from www.greenenergyawards.com or by contacting Calum McCallum on 0141 222 7921. Submissions must be received by Friday October 13th 2006.

The award categories are as follows: Best Politician, Best New Business, Best Environmental Initiative, Best Renewable Project, Best Community Initiative, Best Business Achievement Award, Best Renewable Innovation, and Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

Individual category sponsors include: Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, The British Wind Energy Association, BRE, All-Energy, E.On UK, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and ScottishPower Renewables. Event sponsors include npower renewables, Scottish and Southern Energy,and Vestas Celtic.

For more information on Scottish Renewables go to www.scottishrenewables.com Previous Winners in 2005 include:

Best Community Initiative - Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd and Westray Development Trust (Joint Winners)

Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd, Scotland's first community owned, grid-connected, windfarm, and Westray Development Trust, who provide locals with bio-diesel for vehicle use, were jointly presented with the award for their committed, innovative projects delivering renewable benefits to their local communities.

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry - Hugh Piggot

Hugh Piggot, founder of Scoraig Wind Electric, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise at the prestigious Scottish Green Energy Awards in 2005. Through Scoraig Wind Electric, Hugh runs wind mill building workshops and has published a manual entitled 'How to Build a Wind Turbine' Hugh's turbine design has been warmly welcomed by DIY-renewables enthusiasts and has appeared all over the world, from Canada to India.

Best Business Achievement Award - Weldex

Last year, Weldex (International) Offshore was recognised for their success in entering the wind-power supply chain when it was awarded the Business Achievement Award, sponsored by AREG. Dougie McGilvray Managing Director of Weldex (International) Offshore Ltd said: "To have won the Business Achievement Award is a fantastic achievement for our company. We're delighted to be recognised alongside other leaders in the green energy field. I hope 2006 proves to be as positive for Weldex and for the renewables industry in Scotland as a whole."

Best Innovation Award - Beatrice Offshore Wind Project

Talisman Energy was presented with the award, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise, for pioneering the application of UK offshore engineering to create the first deepwater turbines. Allan MacAskill, Talisman Project Manager, commented: "Talisman was delighted to accept this award on behalf of the Beatrice wind farm partners. The project is providing an opportunity for Scottish and UK companies and universities to create a niche for Scotland and the UK in the emerging offshore wind industry and is also acting as a shop window for companies to demonstrate their skills."