North East Scotland Positioned as the Ideal Hub for UK’s Green Energy Transition.
The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has launched a campaign to establish Great British Energy’s (GB Energy) headquarters in Aberdeen, reinforcing the city’s status as Europe’s energy capital for over fifty years.
The Chamber argues that Aberdeen’s unique combination of industry expertise, strategic location, and public support makes it the ideal choice for the new state-backed energy company.
The Chamber emphasises that GB Energy must be co-created with the energy sector to ensure its success.
The North East of Scotland is home to the UK’s largest cluster of energy supply chain companies and the world’s most concentrated subsea engineering capabilities.
Aberdeen’s proximity to significant renewable projects, such as the ScotWind offshore wind farms and the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage development, positions it as a central hub for the renewables revolution.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has highlighted Aberdeen’s pivotal role in this transition, noting its strategic importance within 100 nautical miles of major renewable projects and its ongoing contributions to oil and gas production.
The Chamber stresses the importance of government and industry collaboration to protect jobs in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). In this mature basin, oil and gas resources are expected to decline.
By headquartering GB Energy in Aberdeen, the Chamber believes it can help mitigate job losses and create new employment opportunities in the energy sector.
Aberdeen’s historical contribution to the UK economy and energy security, amounting to approximately £400 billion in revenue since the discovery of North Sea oil and gas, underscores the city’s significance.
Public opinion strongly favours Aberdeen as the headquarters for GB Energy.
Recent polls indicate overwhelming support from across Scotland, with many recognising Aberdeen’s potential to remain a globally recognised energy hub and a driving force in the green transition.
The Chamber’s campaign highlights the opportunity for Aberdeen to lead the UK’s strategic advantage in the global race to decarbonise energy and transform the economy.
The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce calls on the UK government to recognise Aberdeen’s strengths, provide a vote of confidence, and locate GB Energy in the city.
They argue that this move will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the energy transition, benefiting the industry, government, workforce, and the future of the planet.
As the campaign gains momentum, all eyes are on Aberdeen to see if it will secure its place as the headquarters of GB Energy, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone of the UK’s energy landscape.
