Chair-elect of the Energy Security & Net Zero Committee welcomes first steps in establishing GB Energy

Bill Esterson MP responds to the Government's announcement that GB Energy to be headquartered in Aberdeen.

The Government announced, on 24 September, that the headquarters of its new organisation, GB Energy, which was established to drive investment in green energy, would be headquartered in Aberdeen.

Chair-elect of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Bill Esterson MP said:

“I am delighted to see the government moving quickly to deliver on their clean power mission, announcing Aberdeen as the home of GB Energy.

Establishing GB Energy is key to driving the delivery of clean energy in Great Britain, giving the certainty and support that industry, investors and trade unions tell me is vital to unlock the potential of this sector.

The creation of GB Energy promises to help attract tens of billions of pounds from the private sector, to boost the development of low carbon energy and support growth in the wider economy.

Aberdeen has been the centre of Britain's oil industry for decades, it makes perfect sense it be home to the country's first publicly owned energy company in over 70 years. 

Siting GB Energy in Aberdeen also speaks to the great potential for job creation in the energy transition.  Research shows 90% of workers in oil and gas have skills that are directly transferable to renewable energy.  Ensuring that those who rely on fossil fuels benefit from clean power is vital to the health, wealth and wellbeing of communities across the UK.

As Chair of the Energy Committee, it will be my task to keep Ministers focussed on the task at hand and keep GB Energy delivering on its remit”. 

Bill Esterson became Chair-elect on 11 September and the Committee's work will begin once the remaining members of the committee have been appointed by the House.