The Green Energy Award Winners 2025

Out of more than 100 entries submitted this year by companies, communities and individuals across the UK, 34 were shortlisted for their outstanding efforts.

Merlin Hyman, Regen chief executive, said: “The Green Energy Awards recognise the people and projects leading the UK’s transition to net zero energy. Decarbonising our energy system is a major challenge, but the inspiring achievements of all the nominees show what is achievable with the right framework.”

The winners in each of the seven categories, chosen by a distinguished judging panel, were as follows:

Just Transition Scheme Award Winner 2025

Sponsored by SSEN

Energise Barnsley

This award recognises projects that explicitly aim to support fairness, equality and justice within the net zero energy transition.

Installs renewable technologies in social housing, benefiting low-income households by reducing energy bills and fossil fuel dependence. Through the Smart Solar project, 75 homes received solar and battery installations, saving residents 66% on bills and cutting CO2 by 700 tonnes annually. The project creates local jobs, encourages self sufficiency and has pioneered a replicable model using Feed-in-Tariff income for further solar installations.


Net Zero Energy Developer Award Winner 2025

Sponsored by Innovation Broking

Thrive Renewables

This award recognises the achievements of developers bringing forward the renewable electricity, heat and/or transport projects required to achieve net-zero energy in a way that brings people with us.

Celebrating 30 years of clean energy, Thrive invests in wind, solar, hydro and geothermal projects, generating over 2 million MWh. Focused on diversity, sustainability and community engagement, Thrive’s portfolio includes community-owned projects that create jobs and support local communities and biodiversity.


Public and Local Sector Net Zero Transformation Award Winner 2025

Westmorland and Furness Council

This award recognises the crucial role the public and local sectors play in transforming the UKs energy system for a zero-carbon future, both through ambitious policy frameworks and inspiring projects.

Committed to net zero by 2037, the council launched a Carbon Management Strategy and Climate Action Plan in 2024. Achievements include a 2 MW solar farm, Passivhaus retrofits, and energy upgrades, saving 507 tonnes of CO2 annually. With £26m in investments, it fosters a just transition through community involvement and tackles environmental inequalities.


Clean Energy Project Award Winner 2025

Sponsored by Bevan Brittan LLP

Ambition Community Energy C.I.C. & Ambition Lawrence Weston

This award commends projects that are spearheading the clean energy industry and delivering significant carbon savings.

At 150m, the Ambition Community Energy wind turbine is England’s largest, powering 3,000 homes and saving over 1,600 tonnes of CO2 yearly. Profits support the Lawrence Weston community, funding skills training and fuel poverty initiatives. The project has influenced policy discussion and developed a replicable finance model for community wind projects. 


Whole Energy System Innovation Award Winner 2025

Sponsored by GA Energy

CEPRO

This award recognises the role of innovative technology, products and services in the development of the whole energy system for a zero-carbon future.

The Hazelmead and Water Lilies housing microgrids integrate homes with solar generation and battery storage, reducing grid import by 60% and delivering 15% cheaper energy bills for residents. This innovative model offers scalable solutions for housing decarbonisation, supporting affordable housing development and energy transition.


Net Zero Energy Pioneer Award Winner 2025

Sponsored by National Grid Electricity Distribution

Dr Ryan Law

This award recognises the achievements of the inspiring individuals making a real difference to the development of a net zero energy system.

Founder and CEO of Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL), Ryan has revitalised the UK geothermal power sector and, through his leadership, advanced the first UK geothermal power plant. Ryan has advocated for zero-carbon mining and contributed to local economic growth through community-focused projects, demonstrating the viability of geothermal energy as a crucial tool for a net zero future.


Community Energy Initiative Award Winner 2025

Staffordshire Community Energy

This award recognises the role of inspiring community energy groups across the UK supporting the transition to a more democratic and decentralised energy system.

A collaboration between SCE, University Hospitals of the North Midlands Hospitals NHS Trust and fuel poverty charity Beat the Cold, this initiative links solar PV on NHS buildings with fuel poverty support, benefiting 1,300+ households, saving 412 tonnes of CO2, cutting emergency readmissions by 38% and reducing NHS costs, setting a new standard for integrated net zero initiatives.