A CORNISH renewable energy company has been shortlisted for three national awards after being recognised for its solar energy work and investment in young talent.

ZLC Energy, which is based in Liskeard, has been shortlisted in every category it entered at the 2026 National Energy Efficiency Awards.

The company is in the running for National Solar Installer of the Year, National Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project of the Year and National Apprentice of the Year.

Its solar project at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has earned a nomination for National Solar PV Project of the Year.

The installation is estimated to save the hospital around £750,000 a year, allowing the money to be redirected towards frontline NHS services.

ZLC Energy apprentice Raman Mustafa has also been shortlisted for National Apprentice of the Year, recognising his professional development and increasing contribution to the company's renewable energy projects.

Director Mark Smith said the nominations demonstrated what could be achieved by a Cornish business.

“We are incredibly proud to be representing Cornwall at a national level,” he said. “To be shortlisted for three national awards shows that a Cornish business can develop outstanding people and deliver complex projects that compete with the very best in our industry.”

Compliance Manager Rob Welch said Raman’s recognition was particularly significant.

“Seeing Raman recognised nationally makes me particularly proud,” he said. “He has taken on increasing responsibility and earned the respect of the people working alongside him.

“This is exactly what we want national recognition to mean for Cornwall: young people building ambitious, skilled careers here.”

The winners will be announced at the National Energy Efficiency Awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The triple shortlist comes as demand for renewable energy and solar installations continues to grow across Cornwall.