UK and Scottish governments join forces to boost clean energy

The energy secretary has pledged to make available billions of pounds in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry.

Ed Miliband is set to visit Aberdeen with Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier.

Following the visit, the UK Government is set to sign a new agreement with the Scottish Government to boost Great British Energy’s ambitions to support clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.  

It is hoped that by developing partnerships with Scottish public bodies in the clean energy sector - including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank - Great British Energy can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects.

Great British Energy has been promised £8.3 billion of funding over this Parliament.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: "Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdom’s clean energy future- including in carbon capture and storage, in hydrogen, in wind, and with oil and gas for decades to come as part of a fair transition in the North Sea.  

"Unlike in the past we’re also working closely with the Scottish Government with a new agreement to ensure our publicly owned company Great British Energy is primed to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland."

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: "I welcome this collaborative agreement committing Great British Energy to work with our public bodies to maximise investment into Scotland.  Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and has a depth of knowledge and experience on community and local energy. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland and a just energy transition.  

"To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 - 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills Passport."