People and companies operating in the renewable energy sector will be able to enter for the annual Offshore Achievement Awards 2016 for the first time.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the awards – traditionally restricted to only oil and gas sectors – which are now organised by the Aberdeen branch of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
The move reflects both an increasing awareness of common issues relating to operations across all main GOR markets (gas, oil and renewables) as well as the need for all energy sectors to continue to minimise costs.
New categories this year include Environmental Innovation, which focuses on technologies or systems that have reduced the industry’s environmental impact, and Collaboration, which recognises multiple companies or inter-company teams effectively working together on a project, or those collaborating closely with the community on CSR initiatives.
An SPE spokesman said: “Despite a troubled year for the oil and gas sector, there are still many success stories to be heard and the Offshore Achievement Awards is the premier forum in which to share these.
“Likewise, there is much to celebrate in the UK’s world-leading offshore renewables sector – and these successes will be given the same priority as those within oil and gas.”