Aquamarine Power wins major European Commission award
25 May 12
Wave energy moved centre stage in Europe when wave energy
developer Aquamarine Power won a major European Commission
environment award yesterday [May 24].
European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik, gave
the Edinburgh company first prize in the 'product' category for its
innovative Oyster wave energy technology.
The company is currently commissioning its Oyster 800 device at
the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.
The company received the prize at a ceremony held at the Royal
Museum of Art and History in Brussels last night. The awards
were one of the highlights of Green Week, the European Commission's
annual conference on environment policy.
Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power,
said:
"Marine energy has a massive role to play in helping Europe
meets its challenging carbon reduction targets. This award
recognises the potential that innovative technologies such as
Oyster have, not just in moving to a green energy future, but also
in providing new growth areas for European economies and new
opportunities for coastal communities reliant on declining natural
resources.
"This award is a great honour for Aquamarine Power and we would
like to thank the European Commission, the Commissioner for the
Environment and the judging panel for this recognition.
"This award is for the brilliant, hard-working and dedicated
team at Aquamarine Power and our shareholders, especially ABB, SSE
and the Scottish Government, who continue to support the creation
of a new marine energy industry."
Outstanding contribution
The European Business Awards for the Environment are granted to
companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and
outstanding environmental performance. Aquamarine Power was
named overall winner in the 'Product' category, which recognises
companies that have developed a new product or related service that
makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.
Aquamarine Power was one of five winners who also included
UK retailer Marks and Spencer. Winners were
selected from a record 156 entrants, originating from 24 European
Member States and candidate countries. Aquamarine Power was one of
14 finalists who hailed from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain,
Austria, Portugal, Slovakia, Finland and the United Kingdom.
The best of the best
Applicants to the awards scheme first competed at national level
before being selected to compete at European level, meaning that
companies awarded the European prize are 'the best of the best':
the most far-sighted, responsible and innovative across Europe.
Earlier this year, Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power was also
named one of UK's best companies to work for in the Sunday Times
Best Companies Awards.
On announcing the award, European Commissioner for the
Environment, Janez Potočnik said:
"Resource efficiency is the key to a competitive, sustainable
Europe. These companies show that it is not only possible but
desirable to combine a healthy bottom line with environmental
protection. They are green growth in action and I applaud
them."