Following a rigorous judging process, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been selected as one of the finalists in the Supporting Innovation Category, of the APSE Energy Awards 2025. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been nominated for the partnership project with Advetec that will see non-recyclable waste in Uist processed into fuel.
The APSE Energy Awards recognise the significant contribution UK local authorities are making to address the challenges across the energy, climate change and sustainability agenda. The awards are extremely competitive and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been commended by the organisers for reaching the finals.
A blurb on the APSE website gives the following overview of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's project: "Using Advetec's innovative XO22 bio-thermic digester, the council is eliminating landfill dependency, reducing transport emissions, and creating renewable fuel with 95% less CO2e than coal. This £1.2m initiative supports Scotland's 2026 landfill ban, advances energy security, and sets a benchmark for sustainable waste management in remote areas."
Commenting following the announcement of the award nomination, Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
"This award nomination is well deserved recognition for the hard work of Comhairle officers and the strong partnership relationship that we have built with Advetec. This innovative project has placed Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at the forefront of developments in waste to fuel systems and promises to provide solutions to many of the challenges of handling the disposal of non-recyclable waste on islands."
Lee Knot, CEO of Advetec, said:
"This shortlisting is a fantastic achievement for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The Scottish Government have made a legislative change to advance the waste industry. Change paves the way for innovation, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has grabbed this with both hands. We’re proud of the strong partnership we've formed with the council and have no doubt that our technology's impact on the islands will be transformational. Comhairle nan Eilean has proven itself to be a pioneer, as we firmly believe the Advetec technology has a place in the supply chain of other Scottish councils. This will help to futureproof themselves against everchanging legislation and sustainability targets. I wish them the very best of luck on the night."
The winners of the award will be announced on the evening of Wednesday 26 February 2025 at the APSE Big Energy Summit 2025 - held in partnership with the Department for Net Zero and Energy Security - taking place in Birmingham.