Juergen Maier, chairman of Great British Energy (GBE), expects the UK to lead the world in the development of green energy.
Mr Maier made the declaration as Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband published his mission for the Aberdeen-headquartered investment vehicle.
Announcing “another milestone” for GBE, Mr Maier said today’s publication of the Statement of Strategic Priorities for the company “makes our mission clear, to become the UK’s publicly owned energy company, the first time we have had such a company for 75 years.”
He added: “The transformative potential as we do this is enormous and the task of doing it is also slightly daunting – although we are making good progress.
“My vision is that in 10 years’ time, the UK will be leading the world in the design and engineering for some of the more nascent technologies like floating offshore wind, exporting our expertise globally while generating gigawatts of clean, home-grown energy.
“GBE isn’t just about generating clean power, it’s about generating good jobs, driving investment into our industrial heartlands, and ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition flow directly to our communities.
“The pace of change required is unprecedented, but so is the opportunity. Thank you to everyone who is being supportive on our exciting journey.”
GBE will work in partnership with GB Nuclear, the National Wealth Fund, the devolved governments, private investors, local government, other public sector organisations and relevant regulators.
Despite its name, it will operate across the UK, recognising Northern Ireland’s distinct energy landscape “and should take a tailored approach to its operation there”.
In the statement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Mr Miliband says: “We must build an energy system that re-industrialises our industrial heartlands with good jobs and strong trade union representation, while tackling the climate crisis.
“This government is creating a more affordable and secure energy system which makes the most of our natural resources and protects consumers from the volatility of fossil fuel market price spikes, helping to lower bills for households and businesses.
“GBE will be a key player in establishing the energy system of the future, by becoming an expert development partner to develop, own and operate clean energy assets across the UK.
“It will support projects at all stages of their lifecycle – from early development through to successful operation. GBE will put energy back in the hands of the British public, enabling the benefits of the clean energy transition to flow back into communities, and support a fair and equitable transition.
“GBE will work in partnership with the private and public sectors, devolved and local government, and communities to deliver across all four nations of the UK.
“With its headquarters in Aberdeen, GBE is well placed to kickstart a UK-wide clean energy revolution drawing on Aberdeen’s world-leading energy and engineering expertise.
“Making Britain a clean energy superpower, creating good jobs and cutting bills for good, is a defining mission for this government”
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