A University of Aberdeen graduate is in the running for an award recognising the next generation of leaders in renewable energy.
Karthik Singh Thakur, who gained an MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering in 2023, is a finalist in this year’s Scottish Renewables Young Professional Green Energy Awards.
Karthik is one of four finalists in the Academic Award category and has been recognised for his dissertation, which helped earn him a Distinction, exploring the climate change impacts of substations.
The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards recognises ‘those who have achieved beyond all expectations, those who are pioneering new ideas and have the drive and ambition to change the renewable energy industry for the better’.
His industry project with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) provided innovative solutions to mitigate the risks associated with climate change on the secondary systems in a substation within the electricity transmission network.
Karthik’s project work contributed to improved energy efficiency and a reduction in the operational carbon footprint.
He embarked on his MSc to enable him to develop the skills to design, implement and optimise innovative solutions to support organisations to achieve their net-zero goals, building on his background in electro-mechanical energy systems.
Karthik said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted and to represent the University of Aberdeen which has been my dream.
“North-east Scotland's excellence in energy transition and the welcome it provides to international students is fantastic and I am pleased to be playing my part in promoting that.
“I also want to thank my professors and school of engineering for this opportunity and incredible journey at the University of Aberdeen.”
Dr Fabian Koehler, Industry Supervisor for Academic Projects at SSEN Transmission added: “We believe the novel approach for reducing the energy requirement in substation control rooms and increasing resilience to extreme weather events is a significant achievement, and I congratulate Karthick on his nomination.”
Karthik is also dedicated to promoting STEM careers to others through his work as a Student Ambassador for the Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands branch of the Energy Institute Young Professionals Network (YPN) and a STEM volunteer at Techfest.
He added: “I am passionate about making a tangible impact in the pursuit of a sustainable future and I am really pleased this has been recognised by the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.
“Work of the EIYPN, and Techfest, is crucial to ensuring the workforce of the future are engaged, informed and shares enthusiasm for the industry.
“It is only by fostering partnerships and driving knowledge sharing that we will create the synergies that accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions and so working with an industry partner on my dissertation project – and having that work recognised by this nomination – is wonderful.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards are now in their tenth year and the judging panel has once again been blown away by the standard of nominations submitted for these awards.
“It is always so inspiring to see the skill and expertise which exists among the young professionals working in our industry and Scottish Renewables is proud to be recognising those who are pioneering new ideas and shaping the future of Scotland’s net-zero energy system.
“The finalists should be extremely proud of their achievements over the last year and I look forward to meeting them all at this year’s awards and hear about how they plan to develop their careers in the renewable energy industry.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held in Glasgow on April 18.