Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Clean Energy Council Awards.
Giles Parkinson won this year's Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award. As the founder and editor of the renewable energy industry's flagship industry publication RenewEconomy, Giles has shown passion and dedication to a well-informed and truthful national conversation on the transition to clean energy. In a media environment that is changing, challenging and increasingly partisan, Giles has stood out for his strong communication and detailed exploration of the complex issues confronting the clean energy sector.
Allume Energy won this year's Innovation Award for the SolShare, a behind-the-meter solar sharing technology that enables solar power from a single rooftop PV system to be shared by multiple units within a building. When deployed on a community housing apartment building in Melbourne, the SolShare met 39 per cent of residents' total electricity demand and reduced each apartment's electricity bill by over $155.
Tilt Renewables won this year's Community Engagement Award for the extensive benefit sharing plan it implemented for the community surrounding the Dundonnell Wind Farm. The plan included the installation of a mini-grid, a road safety fund, a major contribution towards safe housing for women fleeing domestic violence and education funding for residents. In addition to maintaining Tilt Renewables’ social licence in the region, the plan will create a lasting legacy by helping the prevention of suicide, supporting vulnerable communities and creating educational opportunities.
Future Energy Skills and Ellis Jones won the Marketing and Communications Award for the Know your Battery campaign, a strategy to generate consumer awareness of, and demand for, accredited solar battery electricians by communicating the benefits of hiring qualified tradespeople. Using a multi-channel strategy that included a campaign microsite, social media marketing and a paid partnership with The Guardian, the campaign achieved almost 25,000 page views. It also successfully increased consumer and industry awareness of accredited tradespeople and training.
The Clean Energy Council Awards are now in their ninth year. Past winners include some of the leading individuals and businesses operating in the Australian clean energy industry.