Guardbridge biomass plant shortlisted for major award

The University of St Andrews and partners Vital Energi have been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Scottish Green Awards 2016 for the biomass energy centre at Guardbridge.

The £25 million energy centre on the east side of the former paper mill site at Guardbridge will produce hot water from a biomass boiler using clean, natural fuels which will be pumped four miles to St Andrews where it will heat university buildings.

The Green Energy Awards 2016 have attracted more than 130 nominations. The Guardbridge energy centre is shortlisted in the sustainable development award category.

Professor Verity Brown, Vice Principal (Enterprise & Engagement), said:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award against competition from across Scotland, which is an achievement in itself.

“The energy centre at Guardbridge is a remarkable engineering project which would not have been possible without our partners, Vital Energi. We also acknowledge and appreciate the patience of local people in the realisation of this project.”

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, the voice of renewable energy in Scotland, said:

“Once again the Scottish Green Energy Awards shortlist shines a light on the most innovative, forward-thinking and sustainable projects, organisations and individuals in our industry.

“There have been some important projects delivered over the last 12 months and the shortlist shows clearly how our sector is helping grow the economy, tackle climate change and support communities across the country.”

Notes to editors 

The Scottish Green Energy Awards ceremony will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday December 1.

More information about the Awards, including lists of previous winners, can be found on the Scottish Renewables website.

Photograph of the biomass plant are available. Contact the University’s Communications Office.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office, contactable on 01334 467310 or [email protected].