Aberdeen has launched a campaign to host the headquarters of the UK’s forthcoming publicly owned energy firm.
GB Energy is a new state-owned renewable energy company that Labour has pledged to establish in its first year of government.
Led by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the bid emphasises Aberdeen’s status as an energy hub and argues that locating the headquarters there would utilise the city’s knowledge and strategic location.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasised integrating industry expertise into the operations of the new energy firm to ensure effectiveness nationwide.
Aberdeen has a concentration of energy supply chain companies and engineering capabilities, particularly in subsea technologies, which proponents argue are critical assets for the firm.
The campaign also notes Aberdeen’s proximity to renewable energy projects like ScotWind and the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage initiative, positioning it in the UK’s energy transition efforts.
Russell Borthwick said: “We have helped sustain the economy and energy security of the UK, now it’s time to return the favour.
“For over fifty years, Aberdeen and Grampian has helped drive the UK economy and provided energy security for households and businesses. In revenue terms,
that equates to around £400billion to the Treasury since the discovery of North Sea oil
and gas.
“Since the turn of the millennium alone, the oil and gas industry has paid more
than £150billion in production taxes to the UK Government.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told Energy Live News: “We will confirm the exact location in Scotland for GB Energy’s headquarters in due course.
“Great British Energy will help make Britain a clean energy superpower, accelerating our journey to net zero through homegrown cheap energy that will bring down bills and boost energy independence for our country.
“It will be owned by the British people, for the British people, creating jobs and building supply chains across the UK and working with industry and trade unions to deliver clean power.”
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