Scotrenewables Triumphs in Springboard National Final

2006-03-08 10:40:37

Scotrenewables - a renewable energy business based in Orkney - has won the first ever Shell Springboard national award. The company scooped the award for its innovative tidal turbine design, beating off competition from over 250 other Springboard entrants throughout the UK. Elliot Morley, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, and Shell UK's Chairman James Smith presented the award last night to Scotrenewables MD Barry Johnston at London's Waldorf Hilton hotel.

James Smith of Shell UK (left) and Climate Change Minister Elliot Morley (right) congratulate Springboard winner Barry Johnston of Scotrenewables

It had been a gruelling day for Johnston who presented his case to the judges in a head-to-head battle with five other finalists. "This is a huge boost for our company and will allow us to expand our business," he said. "This award recognises our technology and will be a great springboard for us.

James Cameron of Climate Change Capital, and Chair of the Springboard judges, announces the winner

Shell Springboard is a fantastic scheme and I pay tribute to Shell for setting it up." James Cameron, Vice Chair of Climate Change Capital and Chairman of the Springboard judges, said, "Scotrenewables has created an exciting idea to tackle climate change that has real potential to be a business and environmental success." The other judges were Tom Delay, Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust, and Juliet Davenport, Chief Executive of green electricity company Good Energy. In addition to receiving £40,000 in Springboard funding, Barry will also visit Iceland to see Shell's Hydrogen work.

Runner-up to Scotrenewables was Surrey-based Mantle Panel which has developed a low-cost, energy efficient building system based on an innovative new insulation material.

For more information on the UK finalists please see Winning Ideas.