AN East Anglian awards celebrating pioneering ideas which can benefit the energy industry is being fired up.The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) has launched its fifth annual contest showcasing the industry's groundbreaking technology.

AN East Anglian awards celebrating pioneering ideas which can benefit the energy industry is being fired up.

The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) has launched its fifth annual contest showcasing the industry's groundbreaking technology.

Last year's winners were Lowestoft-based Pipeshield International, which scooped the award for a project to dispose of offshore drill cuttings, which are a major issue across the global industry.

“If companies have innovative ideas or technology, now is the time to shout about it,” said EEEGR general manager Johnathan Reynolds.

“It's a chance not just to win recognition and a higher profile for their enterprise, but to help meet challenges which will make the energy industry more effective, efficient, viable and safe.”

For the first time this year, the event will include a Low Carbon Award sponsored by Carbon Connections at the University of East Anglia.

It will go to the finalist judged to have best demonstrated a commitment to improving resource efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Dr Chris Harrison, director of programme at Carbon Connections said: “We are delighted to sponsor this low carbon award. It reflects our interest as an organisation in stimulating and supporting low carbon innovation and we applaud the work of EEEGR in encouraging local businesses to reduce CO2 emissions in their operations, products and services.”

The Energy Innovation Awards 2008 finals will be staged at the Holiday Inn, Norwich International Airport, on Wednesday, February 6 next year.

Closing dates for entries is December 3. To enter or find out more, visit eeegr.com or call the EEEGR team on 01493 446535.