Nominations for The Scottish Green Energy Awards are now open, with entries accepted from Scotland's 21,000-strong renewable energy workforce and beyond.

The Scottish Green Energy Awards celebrate the best of wind, hydro, heat and solar power - and more.

In 2016 - as industry body Scottish Renewables marks its 20th anniversary - entrants can vie for glory in 13 categories.

People and organisations are being invited to nominate through www.scottishrenewables.com/events/gea2016.

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "The Scottish Green Energy Awards are our industrys opportunity to recognise the determination and innovation - and the people, organisations and communities - that have helped the renewable energy sector evolve during a particularly challenging 12 months.

"Well be reflecting at the event on the last two decades of green energy in Scotland - 20 years which have seen nothing less than a remarkable transformation in our energy system.

"With renewables now delivering the equivalent of more than half of the electricity we consume in Scotland, theres no doubt that our industry is part of the mainstream, a major part of our energy mix and a significant employer."

Winners in categories including Engineering Excellence, Business Growth and Rising Star will be announced at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday December 1.

The full list of categories is:

Best Professional Services Award
- Sustainable Scotland Award (sponsored by SmartestEnergy)
- Engineering Excellence Award (sponsored by Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult)
- Business Growth Award (sponsored by AREG)
- Champion of Renewables Award (sponsored by RenewableUK)
- Rising Star Award
- Judges Award
- Best Community Project Award (sponsored by SSE)
- Best Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Vattenfall)
- Contribution to Skills Award (sponsored by Senvion)
- Sustainable Development Award
- Best Innovation Award (sponsored by Wind Farm Energy UK Ltd)
- Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Highlands & Islands Enterprise)

Nominations must be made before the deadline of 5pm on Friday September 23 through www.scottishrenewables.com/events/gea2016.