New GB Energy deal struck to support clean energy projects

A deal agreed between the Scottish and UK governments will see funding made available for green energy projects across the country, it has been announced.

Ahead of a visit by energy secretary Ed Miliband to Aberdeen, the UK Government said a new agreement between the two governments would allow Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies to support clean energy supply chains.

The government also said it was speeding up the delivery of a “skills passport” to support oil and gas workers to move into offshore wind

Miliband will today visit Aberdeen with GB Energy chair Juergen Maier for the first time since the city was announced as the headquarters for the UK’s new publicly-owned energy company. 

He said: “Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdon’s clean energy future, including in carbon capture and storage, in hydrogen, in wind, and with oil and gas for decades to come as part of a fair transition in the North Sea.  

 “Unlike in the past we’re also working closely with the Scottish Government with a new agreement to ensure our publicly owned company Great British Energy is primed to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland.” 

 GB Energy will work alongside the Crown Estate Scotland, enterprise agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank, the UK Government said.

Earlier this year, ministers said a partnership between GB Energy and the Crown Estate, covering England and Wales, could support the leveraging of up to £30-60bn of private investment. 

Gillian Martin, the Scottish Government’s acting energy secretary, said: “I welcome this collaborative agreement committing Great British Energy to work with our public bodies to maximise investment into Scotland. 

“Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and has a depth of knowledge and experience on community and local energy. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland and a just energy transition.  

 “To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 - 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills Passport.”