Shortlist Announced for Scottish Renewable Energy Awards.  Companies and individuals who have contributed the most to the development of renewable energy in Scotland have been shortlisted for the 5th Scottish Green Energy Awards being held on 7 December in Edinburgh.

Organised by industry trade body Scottish Renewables and sponsored by npower renewables, The Scottish Green Energy Awards highlight the achievements of those trailblazing individuals, companies and organisations in the renewables field, who have made a significant difference to Scotland's green energy production.

Jason Ormiston, acting Chief Executive at Scottish Renewables announced the shortlisted nominees (today) stating: "In the year in which  Scottish Renewables research has identified that the 2010 renewable energy target set by the Scottish Executive will be met three years early, many of the nominees who have been shortlisted for a Green Energy Award represent some of the many companies and individuals who have worked to deliver this target.

Moreover, the breadth of nominations from all sectors of the renewables industry just goes to show how emerging technologies are developing in offshore, marine, solar, heating and transport fuels.

It is only fitting therefore that the industry takes time each year to reflect and honour these green energy heroes."

Kevin McCullough, Managing Director of npower renewables, the Green Energy Awards main sponsor, said: "This event is a true celebration of the dedication and drive of all those involved with the renewable industry across Scotland, and npower renewables is delighted to offer its support."

"With Scotland expected to meet its renewable energy targets early, this is a clear demonstration of the very real contribution renewables can make.  Across the UK, Scotland is leading the way in the move towards a more sustainable future. We must continue this progress with the firm conviction that we can achieve our goals, but we must also learn to evolve and adapt as rapidly as our industry is responding to climate change - through ensuring we have a planning system that delivers the best projects expediently and a grid system that physically allow us to utilise the full potential of what we can generate."

"I congratulate all those that have been short listed and look forward to enjoying the celebrations with them on the evening."

Over 700 guests and organisations from all over Scotland, and the World will join leading figures from Scotland's renewables community to celebrate the Green Energy Awards 2006 on December 7th, at the stunning Royal Museum in Edinburgh. The 2006 Awards will be compered by BBC Scotland's Jackie Bird with Eddie Reader providing musical entertainment.

Best Renewable Innovation Award sponsored by Scottish Enterprise

·Econnect Construction Scotland-wide (Paul Glendinning on 01434 613 600)

Nominated for the Hybrid Static Compensation device. The Statcom allows wind farm developers to cost effectively meet all grid code related voltage control performance requirements.

·       Invisible Heating Systems Ross-shire, (Henk Verweijmeren on 01854 613 161)

      IHS have developed "Road Energy Systems" - basically Underfloor heating is laid within tarmac on roads, utilizing the black surface as a huge solar collector, this is then connected to a ground source heat pump - after noticing sheep warming on themselves on the roads.

·      The Engineering Business  North East (Dr Tony Trapp on 01434 682 800)

      Another nominee from the Beatrice offshore deepwater wind project in the Moray Firth. The Engineering Business developed the Bowtis installation system to allow installation of the wind turbines in a single lift.

 ·       Whitelee Wind Farm  Central Scotland (Alison Cooney on 0141 568 2585)

      Europe's largest wind farm being developed by ScottishPower Renewables will be built in 2009, but it only got the go ahead after developing a novel solution to ease concerns about wind turbine interference with radars