Great British Energy is aiming to create a .minimum of 10,000 jobs in the next five years – with a focus on areas historically dependent on oil and gas such as Aberdeen and the North-east.
Ministers have told the UK government-owned firm to invest billions to speed up the transition towards green energy.
The goal is for the transition to be seen as “the great economic opportunity of a lifetime”, instead of a financial burden.
However, studies suggest 10,000 new jobs will do little to counter the rate of job losses in the North Sea oil and gas sector.
Research from Robert Gordon University says 1,000 jobs are being lost in the sector every month.
GB Energy has not yet confirmed its full employment plans in Aberdeen, but did reveal last month that only 15 staff are based in the city as present.
Despite GB Energy having an Aberdeen HQ being a key 2024 election pledge from Labour, a premises has still not been secured and the workforce plan is still in the development stage.
However, in a strategic plan published today, GB Energy, the BBC reports, commits to making Aberdeen its “corporate backbone”, and basing the “majority” of its staff here.
Smaller “satellite” offices could also be set up around Scotland.
In the plan, GB Energy lays out its ambitions for the next five years, including:
- Delivering at least 15 gigawatts of clean energy generation and storage by 2030.
- Creating a “toolkit” to encourage more community ownership of renewable generation projects where the profits or savings can be reinvested into local areas.
- Support 1,000 local jobs by supporting community energy projects and expanding public participation.
- Invest enough public funds to mobilise £15billion of private finances in the longer term.
- Use public land for wind and solar projects, generating income for communities.
GBE chief executive Dan McGrail said: “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.
“This strategic plan marks a major milestone in our mission to accelerate clean energy and the industries that support it.”
“When you share your news through OGV, you’re not just getting coverage – you’re getting endorsed by the energy sector’s most trusted voice.”
