EMEC’s Lara Santos shortlisted for Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Award

Research exploring how fairness can be designed into the energy transition has earned EMEC associate Dr Lara Santos Ayllon a place in the shortlist for the Academic Award of the Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards 2026.

The annual awards recognise emerging leaders who are making a significant contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy industry through innovation, dedication and forward-thinking approaches to the energy transition. More than 30 young professionals have been shortlisted across nine categories this year.

Undertaken through a collaboration between the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), EMEC and the University of Edinburgh, Lara’s doctoral research explored how principles of justice can be embedded into the design of energy technologies, systems and transitions. Drawing on marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney, the research examined how social and environmental considerations can be addressed alongside technical and economic objectives when shaping future energy systems.

A key outcome of the research was the development of Justice by Design, a framework and methodology that helps developers, funders, policymakers and researchers anticipate justice risks and opportunities of energy technologies, projects and transitions from the earliest stages of development, to embed fairness into their development processes and outcomes. The approach offers practical guidance which seeks to support systems in which the benefits of renewable energy projects are shared more equitably and that local communities can play a meaningful role in shaping future energy systems.

Lara’s industry supervisor, Eileen Linklater, EMEC’s Corporate Affairs Director, said:

“Lara’s shortlisting is fantastic recognition of the dedication, insight and impact she has brought to her research. Her work in Orkney has explored some of the most important questions facing the renewable energy sector today – not just how we design clean energy systems, but how we do so in a way that is fair, inclusive and delivers lasting benefits for communities.

It has been a pleasure to support Lara throughout her PhD journey, and we’re thrilled to see her achievements recognised by Scottish Renewables.”

Commenting on her nomination, Dr Lara Santos Ayllon, EMEC associate said:

“I’m delighted to be shortlisted for the Academic Award. This research was inspired by questions I encountered while working in Orkney and at EMEC, where I saw first-hand both the opportunities and challenges created by the energy transition.

My research considers how renewable energy technologies and energy systems can be designed in ways that are not only innovative, but also socially and ecologically just for the communities and places involved. It’s wonderful to see this work recognised alongside so many talented people across Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”

Later this month, Lara will be sharing insights from her research in a new blog series exploring what marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney can teach us about designing fairer and more sustainable energy systems.