Announcing the APSE Energy Awards 2026 Finalists

Twenty-four UK local authorities have been shortlisted for the first APSE Energy Awards, in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

APSE Energy is pleased to announce the finalists of the APSE Energy Awards in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The 2026 awards will celebrate excellence and innovation across six categories, highlighting the vital role local authorities play in responding to the complex challenges of the energy transition, climate change and long-term sustainability. These awards showcase outstanding leadership, collaboration and practical delivery, recognising councils that are driving meaningful change within their operations and communities. The finalists below were judged the best from a total of 66 submissions across all categories.  Winners will be announced at the Big APSE Energy Summit 2026, held in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, bringing together key stakeholders from across the public sector to share learning, inspire progress and recognise achievement.

Taking place as part of the APSE Big Energy Summit 2026, the awards provide a national platform to showcase best practice, share learning and highlight the vital role councils play in driving forward the energy and climate agenda.

Speaking about the Awards, Phil Brennan, Head of APSE Energy, said: 

"This year’s awards have been incredibly challenging to judge, thanks to the exceptional quality of entries across all six categories. We were thrilled to expand the scope of recognition to include new categories: Decarbonising Transport, Clean Energy - Power, and Clean Energy - Heat. The calibre of submissions has exceeded our expectations.

As local authority net zero targets draw closer, these awards provide a vital platform to celebrate and share the outstanding efforts of councils across the UK. They highlight the progress being made to tackle climate change and advance sustainability and energy initiatives.

Congratulations to all our finalists, we look forward to celebrating your achievements at the BIG Energy Summit in Birmingham!"

Click here to book your place at the Summit and Awards Ceremony 

The finalists across the six categories are:

Supporting Innovation

• Coventry City Council
• Hackney Council
• Highland Council
• Powys County Council
• Torfaen County Borough Council               

Accessing & Managing Finance

• Highland Council
• Newcastle City Council
• Suffolk County Council
• Oxfordshire County Council
• Westminster City Council
• West of England Combined Authority

Working in Collaboration

• Bath & North East Somerset Council
• Birmingham City Council
• Hackney Council
• Highland Council
• Suffolk County Council
• YES Energy Solutions

Clean Energy - Heat

• South Kesteven District Council
• Westmorland and Furness Council
• Cinderford Town Council

Clean Energy - Power

• Exeter City Council
• North Kesteven District Council
• Nottingham City Council
• Salford City Council
• Dorset Council

Decarbonising Transport

• Hackney Council
• Highland Council
• Manchester City Council
• North Yorkshire Council
• Warrington Borough Council
• Westmorland and Furness Council

NOTES TO EDITOR

• The APSE Energy Awards include six submission categories.
• 24 organisations were shortlisted for this year's awards.
• For further information please contact James Jefferson on [email protected] Tel: 0161 772 1810