Leonore van Velzen shortlisted for YPGEA Project Development Award

EMEC’s Hydrogen Project Manager, Leonore (Noor) van Velzen, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Project Development Award’ in Scottish Renewables’ Young Professionals Green Energy Awards 2023.

The annual awards highlight young professionals who are pioneering new ideas with the drive and ambition needed to change the renewable energy industry for the better.

The Project Development Award recognises individuals who surpass expectations with their project management skills.

Joining EMEC in 2021, Noor has managed a portfolio of innovative hydrogen R&D projects ranging from feasibility studies to first-of-a-kind technology demonstrations. Recent projects include the £2.3m ‘HIMET’ maritime decarbonisation project, hydrogen supply for a world-first jet engine demonstration with Rolls-Royce, and the £4.3m ‘SHyLO’ hydrogen storage project gearing up for deployment at EMEC’s Caldale site later this year.

Noor has overseen the delivery of complex project scopes, providing dedicated leadership and support to diverse consortia. When challenges arise, her proactive and diligent approach to finding solutions to produce valuable outcomes has received exceptional feedback, demonstrating how highly regarded she is across multiple projects and organisations. In addition, she has spearheaded the cohesion of a multidisciplinary hydrogen team within EMEC, contributing to the organisation’s growth of this business area.

Leonore Van Velzen, EMEC’s Hydrogen Project Manager (Credit Colin Keldie)

On learning of being shortlisted, Leonore van Velzen, Hydrogen Project Manager at EMEC, said:

“Thank you to my colleagues for nominating me, it was a lovely surprise and genuinely heart-warming; I really appreciate it. However, without everyone at EMEC and the project partners, the progress being made in the hydrogen projects simply wouldn’t be happening – it is very much a team effort and I’m very grateful to have such supportive colleagues and to work with so many motivated people trying to make the world a better place.”

Neil Kermode, Managing Director at EMEC, said:

“Noor is an instinctive project manager. She is analytical, thoughtful, tactical, committed and unrelenting. In practice this means she manages people to give their best, tactfully aligned to the needs to the project. Her supportive and personable approach makes colleagues and project partners feel represented and valued and when faced with project challenges, she tackles these head on with professionalism finding innovative solutions.

“Noor genuinely cares about the projects she works on, the people she works with and the wider goal of solving the climate crisis.”

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“The calibre of nominations we receive for these awards is always extremely high and this year is no different. It is so inspiring to see the next generation shape the future of renewable energy industry and it is incredibly important that Scottish Renewables recognises the young professionals who will continue our drive towards a clean, green future.

“To be nominated for a Young Professionals Green Energy Award is a fantastic achievement and we hope this recognition will encourage each nominee to continue the excellent work they have already achieved in the industry.”

Scottish Renewables’ Young Professionals Awards 2023 ceremony will be presented at The Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on 27 April.

View more information on the awards and the full list of finalists here.