Winners of the Shell Springboard Awards

Orkney-based small business Scotrenewables (Marine Power) Ltd was celebrating this week after winning £40,000 for its innovative ideas on how to combat climate change.

The award was made by Shell Springboard, a new fund from Shell which helps small companies to develop products and services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fund, in its pilot year, has given a total of £340,000 to 9 businesses.

Scotrenewables was named UK winner at a high-profile event in London on 7 March, for its innovative turbine system which extracts energy from tidal currents. The company receives an additional prize of a trip to Iceland to see Shell's work on bringing hydrogen fuel to the retail market.

Winner Barry Johnston from Scotrenewables said:

"This is a huge boost for our company and will allow us to expand our business. This award recognises our great technology and will be a great springboard for us. Shell Springboard is a fantastic scheme and I pay tribute to Shell for settin git up."

James Cameron, Founder of Climate Change Capital and Chair of the judging panel, said: "Developing technologies and services that address climate change is a great opportunity for all businesses, large or small.

Shell Springboard is making a valuable contribution tby recognising innovation in small business. Scotrenewables have created an exciting idea to tackle climate change that has real potential to be a business and environmental success."

The winners are:

North region (Norther Ireland, Scotland and Northern England)

1st: Orkney-based Scotrenewables for its innovative turbine system which extracts energy from tidal currents.

2nd: Turbine Developments in Northern Ireland for technology which uses waste gas from landfill sites to generate electricity.

3rd: Walltransform in Middlesbrough for a new "super-insulation" system for buildings.

Central region (Central England and Wales)

1st: Derbyshire-based NesComposites for a new plastic enabling car manufacturers to build lighter vehicles that give off fewer emissions.

2nd: EA Technical Services in Lancashire for its Clean Heat ultra-efficient heating pump.

3rd: Varyflush in Kirklees for its clever domestic water-saving device.

South region (Southern England)

1st: Luton-based Chalmor for its simple heat-saving device for householders.

2nd: Mantle Panel Ltd in Surrey for its buildingsystem based around an innovative insulating material.

3rd: Water Innovate in Cranfield for a new low-cost monitor that detects nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater.

For more details, please see the Shell Springboard website