Awards include coal to biomass conversion in India, STEM resources reaching 10 million children worldwide and cutting-edge smart tech
Ingenious individuals and teams from across the world of energy were in the limelight on the evening of 22 November as the winners of the Energy Institute (EI) Awards 2018 were revealed at the annual gala ceremony in London.
Among the winners were:
- Environment Award: GSH Group India for their work with client Kaleesuwari switching from coal to biomass for steam used in extracting oils from nuts, seeds and other raw materials, for sale into the food, personal and household markets.
- Public Engagement Award: The Pod by EDF Energy has provided free curriculum-linked resources engaging more than 10m children on energy, water, waste, biodiversity and climate science – the largest programme of its type in the world.
- Innovative Technology Award: Origami Energy for its energy technology platform which intelligently manages and remotely controls distributed energy assets, providing flexibility to help accommodate increased renewable penetration on networks.
Opening the event, now in its 19th year, EI President Malcolm Brinded CBE FREng FEI said:
“Beating climate change – whilst extending the tremendous benefits of energy to all populations – calls for innovation and a lot of hard work, by many smart people, all around the world.
“Too often these efforts are behind the scenes and complicated, and so they go unnoticed. That’s what the EI Awards are for – an opportunity to sing the praises of the very best within our industry – from India to the Highlands, from oil and gas to the most advanced smart tech, from the seabed to our classrooms.
“In so doing we also acknowledge the collective endeavour of all energy professionals around the world whose day-to-day is building the energy system of the future.”
The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster and triathlete Louise Minchin at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.
Alongside the Awards, Honourary Fellowships of the EI were presented to Juliet Davenport, Chief Executive of Good Energy, and Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the Carbon Trust and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Climate Change.
The winners of the EI Awards 2018 are:
Community Initiative, sponsored by Myriad Global Media
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) for Community Managed Solar Energy Mini-Grids Systems
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) invested in community based Solar Energy Mini-Grids Systems in remote Areas of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan. Besides increasing access to clean energy and thus reducing de-forestation and the use of kerosine oil, this project also helped trigger economic activities in very remote, underdeveloped and under-served communities and thus improving socio-economic conditions.
http://www.ppaf.org.pk/index.html
Energy Champion, sponsored by Arenko Group
Eddie Boyd, The Highland Council
In his role leading the Energy Section of The Highland Council, Eddie has switched the Highlands on to renewable energy and is the power behind a low energy landscape. He is passionate about energy, and his enthusiasm and willingness to share his vast experience is appreciated by his team.
Energy Management, sponsored by Keltbray
Boots UK for a decade of beating the Energy Care Challenge through a holistic approach to energy management
Boots UK achieved its 2020 CO2 reduction target three years ahead of schedule, cutting emissions by 33 percent in stores that were open in 2005. The Energycare programme that was invented in the UK has been successfully adopted by other parts of the Walgreens Boots Alliance international group.
Environment, sponsored by the Committee on Climate Change
GSH Group India for GSH and Kaleesuwari: Fuel Switch from Coal to Biomass for Steam Production
GSH Group in India is successfully converting the coal-fired furnaces of its client Kaleesuwari’s production facilities to use sustainable biomass fuels. Fuel mixing has meant the company’s plants in Pelani and Channai are now becoming less dependent on coal – over the past year they have moved to 60% and 20% biomass respectively, with plans for 100%.
Health and Safety, sponsored by Shell
Repsol Sinopec Resources UK for Evaluating the effect of shift design on fatigue and alertness
Repsol Sinopec undertook a study at its Flotta Oil Terminal to evaluate how proposed shift patterns may influence fatigue and alertness. This project combined technology, scientific methodology and workforce engagement to enable the Terminal to clearly understand the different fatigue risks produced by the shift design options.
https://www.repsolsinopecuk.com/
Innovative Technology, sponsored by sembcorp
Origami Energy for Energy Technology Platform development
Origami Energy intelligently manages energy assets in real-time for their most valuable use in the energy system. This versatile technology helps accelerate the deployment of renewables, and make the energy market fit and resilient for 21st century challenges.
https://origamienergy.com/origami-energy-technology-platform/
Magma Global for m-pipe
Magma Global developed the world’s toughest carbon fibre pipe to solve the challenges of oil and gas production in deepwater reserves. M-pipe® is light, simple, lowers cost and is corrosion resistant. It is so tough and flexible that it can even be taken up and reused.
https://www.magmaglobal.com/technology/
Public Engagement, sponsored by CIPR Energy Leadership Platform
EDF Energy for the Pod
The Pod – EDF Energy’s schools programme is now in its 10th year. It reaches more than 3.5 million children through its environmental campaigns alone each year. The Pod has a very loyal and enthusiastic member base, with over 20,000 schools, across more than 50 countries having registered to the programme and enjoying access to resources that help children understand the importance of making low carbon lifestyle choices.
Young Energy Professional of the Year, sponsored by aramco
Charlie Cook, Octopus Energy
Charlie leads home charging activities at Octopus Energy. Towards the end of 2017 he put together the Powerloop project – which will demonstrate vehicle-to-grid technology it the home. The project received £3m in Government funding and is now being carried out by 7 companies with the goal of unlocking a new type of storage for the electricity system and reducing the cost of ownership of electric vehicles.
Highly commended mentions:
Energy Champion
Matthew Barnett, Nexen
Matthew is heavily involved in knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the UK Oil and Gas industry. He has made a number of tangible contributions to hydrocarbon release prevention programmes and integrity management. He is a mentor to the next generation of engineers for the IMechE and a strong supporter of STEM initiatives.
Health and Safety
UK Power Networks for Ramp Trial
UK Power Networks worked with wheelchair users to designed a radical new kerbside ramp to make roadworks safer and easier to negotiate.
Young Energy Professional of the Year
Rona Mitchell, UK Power Networks
In just two years at UK Power Networks Rona Mitchell has earned the professional credibility to lead high profile research projects to aid the transition to a low carbon economy.
https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/
