Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has hailed GB Energy as the catalyst for the UK’s race to lead the global green energy transition, emphasizing the importance of its Aberdeen headquarters in delivering the government’s clean energy goals. The publicly-owned energy company, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his Labour Party conference speech in September, is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the UK’s target of clean power by 2030.
Speaking to the Scottish Affairs Committee, Murray described GB Energy as a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero ambitions: “Ultimately, it’s great that GB Energy is headquartered in Scotland, and it’s great that it’s headquartered in Aberdeen. I think that sends out a very strong signal of Scotland’s importance to delivering our manifesto commitments on the green energy mission.”
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GB Energy is expected to employ between 200 and 300 people, with its operations extending beyond Aberdeen to rural communities across Scotland and the wider UK. Murray noted that the company would focus on generating, owning, and driving energy projects nationwide: “It will be investing in generating, owning, being the catalyst for energy generation across the whole of the United Kingdom.”
The decision to base GB Energy in Aberdeen underscores Scotland’s leadership in renewable energy, particularly offshore floating wind. Murray highlighted international recognition of Scotland’s expertise: “Wherever you go in the world… Norway is looking to Scotland, particularly on offshore floating wind, because we are the world leaders in this.”
Murray acknowledged that delivering clean power by 2030 would be a “tough” challenge but stressed the UK’s determination to meet its net zero commitments. He also addressed concerns raised by Labour MP Lillian Jones about reports that GB Energy’s chair, Juergen Maier, may be based in Manchester rather than Aberdeen. Murray defended Maier as an industry leader who would bring valuable expertise to the role: “He is incredibly well respected across the whole of industry… The key thing for this role is someone who has been around the industry, talking to people and engaging stakeholders.”
Positioning GB Energy as a driver of innovation and investment, Murray emphasized its role in ensuring the UK not only participates but leads in the global race for renewable energy: “This is a world race, and we don’t just want to be part of that race; we want to win it. We’ve got all the attributes to win it, and GB Energy is the catalyst for us to be able to do that.”
As GB Energy begins its journey from Aberdeen, it aims to solidify Scotland’s reputation as a green energy powerhouse while contributing significantly to national and global sustainability goals.
