Great British Energy’s newly formed start-up board members will convene in Aberdeen today to discuss scaling up the company and making strategic investments. The meeting, led by Energy Minister Michael Shanks, will also include start-up chair Juergen Maier and interim CEO Dan McGrail as they map out the next steps for the organization and explore potential investment opportunities.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks expressed confidence in the team’s ability to drive forward the company’s mission, stating: “We now have a fantastic team in place to lead Great British Energy and establish the company in Aberdeen. By unlocking homegrown clean power projects, Great British Energy will support thousands of well-paid jobs in Scotland and across the country, and deliver energy security for the British people.”
Shanks added that today’s meeting marks a significant milestone as the company prepares to make its first investments.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Great British Energy has already begun engaging with the market on potential collaborations aimed at scaling up its operations. Juergen Maier, chair of the start-up board, highlighted the company’s efforts to develop homegrown clean energy projects. “We are working on a plan to invest in and deliver homegrown clean power, supporting the next generation of energy jobs,” Maier said. “We are already engaging with industry on exciting investment opportunities so we can hit the ground running once Great British Energy is fully established.”
Maier further emphasized the company’s role in fostering innovation and creating jobs, particularly in the North East of Scotland. “Together we will back British innovation and support the creation of thousands of jobs in clean energy projects and their supply chains,” he added.
Interim CEO Dan McGrail, who is taking up the role today, noted the significant potential for Great British Energy to contribute to the UK’s clean energy transition. “Great British Energy is perfectly placed to take advantage of the clean energy revolution for the benefit of the British people,” McGrail said. “I’m pleased to bring our new board members together in Aberdeen to discuss our plans to invest in secure, homegrown clean power – unleashing jobs and crowding in private investment.”
In addition to the board meeting, Juergen Maier will lead a skills roundtable on Tuesday aimed at helping oil and gas workers in north-east Scotland transition to clean energy jobs. The roundtable will include participation from organizations such as Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Green Free Ports Cromarty and Leith, ETZ Ltd, and the Aberdeen & Grampian Chambers of Commerce.
