The winners of the ADE’s Decentralised Energy Awards 2024 were revealed at a glamorous ceremony at Church House, Westminster, which attracted nearly 350 guests from across the decentralised energy sector, government, politics and the wider economy. The prestigious event highlighted best practice in the sector, shone a light on the brilliant work undertaken by industry and celebrated the people that are behind decentralised energy’s greatest achievements. The evening would not have been possible without our sponsors, with special thanks to InstaGroup for their generous support.

The winners were:

Heat Award, sponsored by Amberside Advisors

Bristol Heat Network from Vattenfall Heat UK and Bristol City Leap took home the ‘Heat Project Award’ trophy. The project, which offers a huge, citywide approach and prioritises social value and community engagement, will deliver reliable heat to Bristol through its innovative technologies – aiming to provide 120GWh of low carbon heat across the city by 2038. It is the scale of ambition that makes this project stand out, leading the way in the heat network industry through its process of partnering, financing and expansion.

Energy Efficiency Award, sponsored by Ricardo

Veolia secured the ‘Energy Efficiency Award’, with their SmartParc in Derby. This flagship low-carbon energy network is revolutionising energy within commercial and industrial settings. Estimated to cut carbon emissions by 30,000 tonnes per year, the project is the first of its kind in the UK, with 9.8km of pre-insulated pipework that provides both heating and cooling to the 2 million sq ft campus.

Industrial Energy Award, sponsored by Veolia

The judges chose British Sugar for the ‘Industrial Energy Award’ for their decarbonisation roadmap at their Wissington Site. This energy intensive site has become substantially more energy efficient through re-engineering essential processes such as the steaming required in sugar manufacturing.

Flexibility Award

Continuing their leadership in innovation, Kraken Technologies took the win with Kraken SmartFlex. Now powering the world’s largest smart charging virtual power plant with 128,000 devices and 800MW connected devices, the fully integrated product continues to develop the value delivered to consumers and utilities.

Energy Smart Places Award, sponsored by Bevan Brittan

Moving at pace, HOMEflex by SSEN Distribution and Flex Assure, continues to gain momentum. The project was developed to ensure that the domestic flexibility market is inclusive, fair and transparent, with clear lines of accountability. HOMEflex will ensure that consistency and quality of service are an essential part of flexibility service provision, guaranteeing that customers are protected, respected and rewarded.

Digitalisation Award

The Digitalisation Award was presented to Siemens for their innovative and holistic approach in ‘creating the world’s smartest campus’ at the University of Birmingham. The initiative has resulted in a reliable road map to net zero and energy cost optimisation through the use of sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), and a digital twin of the campus’s energy system. The exciting work by Siemens means it’s possible to increase transparency on building utilisation, heating and power consumption.

Supply Chain & Skills Development Award

Fairheat are revolutionising heat network performance with their Heat Network Optimisation Guidance, which makes them the winners of the ‘Supply Chain & Skills Development Award’. Offering practical, innovative solutions for efficiency and decarbonisation of existing systems, the pioneering industry resource holds the answers to industry-wide challenges now and in the future.

Leadership in Diversity Award, sponsored by Bring Energy

The judges crowned the District Heating Divas as this year’s winners of the ‘Leadership in Diversity Award’. Paving the way for women in energy, the Divas continue to grow and connect women from across the UK and Europe and make a real impact in making the industry a collaborative and approachable space.

Rising Star Award

The ‘Rising Star Award’ recognises a special talent rising up through the ranks of the energy sector. In 2024, our judges celebrated not just one, but two shortlisted candidates – Fanny Garrigou-Grandchamp from Bring Energy and Modo Energy’s Shaniyaa Holness-McKenzie.

Fanny has consistently and effectively used her skills, determination and dedication to make positive change as her career has developed in the sector, whilst joint winner, Shaniyaa is making an impact as she spearheads efforts to simplify what many deem complex.

The ADE congratulates all of the winners of the night and offers our thanks to all of the nominees, attendees, speakers and sponsors that made the night possible.