Great British Energy has published its first strategic plan, setting out a target to deliver at least 15 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy generation and storage capacity by 2030 as part of the UK’s broader push to expand domestically produced renewable power.
The state-owned company said its investments and partnerships are expected to support 10,000 jobs by the end of the decade and mobilise £15 billion in private finance over the longer term. The plan outlines an income-generating portfolio across technologies including floating offshore wind, onshore wind and solar, with returns intended to be reinvested in new capacity and supply-chain development.
Based in Aberdeen, Great British Energy also aims to support more than 1,000 local and community energy projects to strengthen public participation in the energy system. The strategy responds to the UK government’s statement of strategic priorities issued in September.
Further details were released on the £1 billion “Energy, Engineered in the UK” programme, which will provide supply-chain funding and other interventions aligned with the national industrial strategy.
“We are proud to be putting public ownership to work, unlocking investment, powering communities, creating jobs, and building an energy system that delivers for the UK,” Chief Executive Dan McGrail said. “This Strategic Plan marks a major milestone in our mission to accelerate clean energy and the industries that support it.”
Chair Juergen Maier said the plan places the public “at the heart of our energy future,” adding that investment in clean power, local initiatives and British industry would help deliver “an energy system that works for everyone.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the company was created to ensure the UK benefits fully from its natural resources. “This plan shows what a publicly owned energy company will deliver: an abundance of clean, homegrown energy for British people and thousands of good jobs across the country,” he said.
