Fife continues leading the way in Scotland’s energy sector, recognised by two awards at this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards. The Levenmouth Community Energy Project, a partnership between SHFCA members Bright Green Hydrogen, Fife Council and Toshiba won the Carbon Reduction Award. And Fife Council’s lead officer for renewables, Barbara Whiting, who is also Chair of SHFCA has been crowned Champion of Renewables.

The Levenmouth Community Energy Project at Methil isoperated by Bright Green Hydrogen and the Council’s site at Bankhead can now maximise use of renewable power as hydrogen vehicle refuelling begins. At Methil, wind power and solar power is used to generate green hydrogen, which is stored on site. This hydrogen is then used for supplying energy to the surrounding business park, dispensing into vehicles and providing hydrogen for the Council’s Bankhead refuelling station, in Glenrothes. The Council’s hydrogen refuelling station at Bankhead is unique as it is the first station in the UK to be wholly owned and operated by a Council.

These awards are a great reflection on the commitment and effort from many people on the Levenmouth Community Energy Project, and highlights the progress now being made by SHFCA members in many areas of clean and renewable energy projects and innovative approaches.

Cllr Ross Vettraino, Convener for Environment, Protective Services and Community Safety Committee welcomed the news: "Well done to Barbara and the Levenmouth Community Energy Project for very well deserved wins. I'm delighted our staff and projects are receiving national recognition. It's clear to me that in Fife we have a wealth of talent and ambition to continue taking the renewables industry forward."

The Scottish Energy Awards celebrate the determination and innovation that have ensured the continued success of Scotland’s renewable energy sector during challenging times. Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “This year’s Scottish Green Energy Award winners are helping Scotland change the way it thinks about energy – something that’s going to be increasingly important in future. They’re creating the organisations, projects and mindsets that we’ll need to tackle climate change, while continuing to power Scotland’s economy.”

The awards ceremony was held on Thursday 30th December 2017 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.