As the Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum gears up for its 10th YEP Awards ceremony later this year, the anticipation is growing for what promises to be another fantastic event. Since being established a decade ago by Energy UK, the YEP Awards have become a key event for recognising the contributions of emerging leaders in the energy industry. Nominate yourself, a colleague or team for this year’s milestone event.
This year’s milestone event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm. We’ll be honoring the young professionals who are driving progress towards a Net Zero future. It’s an opportunity to recognise the remarkable achievements of the next generation of energy leaders.
The YEP Forum was founded with the mission to foster the development of young talent in the energy sector, providing them with opportunities to network, learn, and showcase their achievements. Over the years, it has grown substantially, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the energy industry. The awards ceremony has consistently highlighted the brightest and most innovative minds, showcasing projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy.
This year’s YEP Awards promises to be a celebration of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm that defines the young professionals shaping the future of energy. Reflecting on the impact of these awards, previous winners have shared what it meant to them for their work and contributions to be recognised at the awards
Sholan Pillay, Hydrogen and Power Engineer, RWE Technology UK and Vice Chair of the YEP Forum 2020-2022:
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Young Energy Professionals Awards, I am filled with immense pride and nostalgia. Serving as Vice Chair for two years was an honour that allowed me to witness firsthand the passion and innovation of our young leaders in the energy sector. Throughout my time with the Forum, I’ve seen individuals across the industry grow and develop after winning or being nominated for these awards. It’s wonderful that the Forum provides this platform, allowing young professionals to gain recognition for their fantastic work and offering them a night dedicated to celebrating their achievements. In my opinion, it’s the Oscars of the energy sector! This milestone is not just a testament to a decade of excellence, but also a promise of a bright and sustainable future powered by the next generation. Congratulations to all the past, present, and future nominees who continue to inspire and lead with such vigour.”
Sarah Woolham-Jaffier, Lead Project Manager, National Grid and YEP of the Year winner 2023:
“The YEP Awards was a hugely inspiring evening for me and my National Grid colleagues, both in terms of the attendees I met and the quality of speakers. I left with a huge amount of optimism and hope for the future and I was able to connect with new people from across the sector. For this reason, I look forward to joining future YEP Forum events. Being recognised as YEP of the Year is a huge honour.”
Hannah Rochford, Ancillary Service Development Manager, National Grid ESO and Customer Champion winner 2023:
“It was great to get the opportunity to attend the YEP Awards 2023. I was honoured to win the Customer Champion Award for my work on the Demand Flexibility Service, driving active participation from homes & businesses in the energy industry. On the night I really enjoyed hearing about all the different projects across the energy industry that had been driven forward by other nominees and winners. Young energy professionals are the future of the energy industry, and it is great to see the opportunities and networking that the YEP Forum enables through their events. I was able to meet other like-minded individuals across the industry where we’re all driving forward the energy transition to create a smarter, greener, and affordable future.”
Dylan Jones, Data Scientist and Optimisation Specialist, Kinwell Energy and Rising Star winner 2023:
“Attending the YEP Awards was one of the highlights of my career in renewable energy so far. It was a unique opportunity to network with people at the same stage in their career, allowing me to make valuable, long-term connections. The speakers really resonated with me and united everyone in the room in our ambitions to reduce human activity’s influence on climate change. Receiving the Rising Star award showed me that, despite being very new to the industry, the work I’m doing is recognised as providing a valuable contribution towards reaching Net Zero.”
Kip Quiney, Bespoke Pricing Manager, EDF and winner of YEP of the Year 2022:
“The YEP Forum provides a great opportunity to meet professionals across the breadth of the energy industry, which can provide insight into areas you are not always exposed to in your day to day work. The Forum holds a range of events providing updates on key developments within the industry and challenges that we will be facing. By bringing everyone’s expertise together, it helps give a sense of optimism for the future while not underplaying the importance of the vast amount of work that still needs to be done.”
Dr Pete Bryant, Director of ESG and Radiation Strategy at Sizewell C, YEP of the Year 2018:
“I was put forward for the YEP Awards by my colleagues, so when I found out I was shortlisted I was completely shocked! Having seen some of the others shortlisted I did not think I would win as there are some many amazing contributions from people in the industry. So my one take away would be do not underestimate the difference your work is making to the energy sector and the important work you are doing to tackle climate change and energy security.”
As in previous years, the awards will be judged by industry experts with seven categories this year ranging from Team of the Year to Rising Star. A brand new category – STEM & Innovator for Net Zero – will recognise those who have challenged the status quo within the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and thought creatively about how to solve the problems facing the energy industry.
The award categories for 2024 are:
- Customer Champion
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Focus
- Rising Star
- Audrey Gallacher Award for Excellence
- Team of the Year
- YEP of the Year
- STEM & Innovator for Net Zero
Nominations are now open. Candidates driving change in any of the categories above can either nominate themselves or someone else as the energy leaders of the future.
We are also on the lookout for companies who want to support the work of the Forum and raise their company profile by sponsoring one of the awards. Award sponsorship is a great profile-raising opportunity within a vibrant, diverse community of early career professionals. Award sponsorship also guarantees your company a table of 10 to enjoy this sell-out event. Please get in touch with membership@energy-uk.org.uk for more information.
The Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum has over 2,300 members, representing over 350 organisations. It enables the next generation of energy leaders to meet, collaborate, develop and recognise success. The Forum runs free events across the year from site visits to panel evenings with leading industry experts, allowing you to ask questions in an informal, open learning environment.
If you would like to be kept up to speed on the Forum’s events, you can sign up to the mailing list here.
