GB Energy chief executive Dan McGrail has told today the company will create 300 jobs at its Aberdeen HQ by 2030, as he moved to calm frustration over earlier expectations.
He said there are nine permanent staff in the HQ, 15 on loan, and 96 roles currently being recruited. He expects around 100 employees in a year’s time, 72 in Aberdeen.
Earlier claims of 1,000 jobs — made by chairman Juergen Maier last year — were later dismissed, with Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander saying: “The intention was never to create jobs for a thousand civil servants working in a large office in Aberdeen.”
SNP MP David Doogan said people in the North-east were “disappointed and disillusioned”.
Mr McGrail said: “Our plan envisages 300 jobs by 2030,” adding “probably sooner than that”.
He declined to commit to a £300 cut in bills, saying GB Energy is “one actor” and “cannot solve a problem”.
He spoke as GB Energy announced its first offshore wind investment — up to £150million with the National Wealth Fund and SNIB.