Great British Energy (GBE) has this morning launched a landmark initiative to strengthen the UK’s clean energy industry and secure long-term economic growth.
The £1billion Energy Engineered in the UK (EEUK) programme will mobilise public and private investment to unlock critical supply chains and create thousands of skilled jobs.
As part of this programme, GBE is opening its £300 million GBE Supply Chain Fund: Offshore Wind & Networks, designed to tackle urgent bottlenecks in key components such as blades, turbines, transmission cables and converter stations.
This investment will build manufacturing capacity and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of offshore wind deployment and electricity network innovation.
The fund is a key part of the UK Government's modern Industrial Strategy which sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.
GBE will work alongside partners including the National Wealth Fund, Scottish National Infrastructure Bank, and The Crown Estate to unlock financing for large-scale manufacturing projects.
To cement the UK’s position as a global leader in deepwater offshore wind, GBE is also establishing a Deepwater Wind Commercialisation Programme in partnership with FLOWEX, bringing together industry leaders to unlock the industrial opportunity from the next frontier of offshore wind deployment.
With strong public backing and collaboration across government and industry, Energy Engineered in the UK will deliver:
- High-value manufacturing capacity in the UK
- Skilled, well-paid jobs for communities across the country
- A resilient supply chain for future low-carbon technologies
Great British Energy CEO, Dan McGrail, said: "Great British Energy is investing in British industry, we are helping to create jobs, driving innovation, and ensuring clean energy infrastructure is built here in the UK.
“This programme is about more than funding; it will help overcome the current challenges and ensure the benefits of a world-class supply chain are felt in communities across the country.”
Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said: “We want our clean energy future to be built here in Britain as part of our modern Industrial Strategy.
“This fund will boost our manufacturing capabilities for offshore wind – supporting jobs and growth in communities across the country.”
Great British Energy Director of Supply Chains, Rob Gilbert, said: “Energy, Engineered in the UK, is a national initiative to drive down technology costs, crowd in private finance, and use our unique role between the public and private sector to support structured market interventions.
“This programme will help the UK energy sector to learn collectively, scale deliberately, and compete globally – not just on cost, but on homegrown, long-term capability. This will create jobs, economic growth, and energy security for all areas of the UK.”
Meanwhile, communities in Aberdeen and the North-east are to benefit from new funding to support renewable energy projects.
The support comes through a combination of Scottish Government and Great British Energy funding, the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme's (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will provide grants for equipment, installation and feasibility work.
The Scottish government has received an additional £5.5million from Great British Energy, and has so far allocated £1.8million to 23 projects across the country.
Among those, Robert Gordon University is to receive £23,600 for the decarbonisation of its sports hall.
King's Church in Aberdeen will also receive £102,334 for a solar PV project.
A total of £20,000 is being made available to Birse Community Trust in Banchory, which is carrying out a hydro power feasibility study.
This year, the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund has made a total of 71 funding offers - totalling more than £7.3million - to community energy projects across the country.
Speaking ahead of the CARES conference, Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: "Community-led energy projects are at the heart of Scotland's journey to net zero. By empowering local groups to generate their own clean energy with local solutions, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities. These projects show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
“This funding is giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their own energy needs, keep money circulating locally, and build a fairer, greener economy.
“Scotland's transition to net zero must be inclusive and fair, and community energy is a vital part of ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities of a clean energy future."
UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “Great British Energy is empowering communities in Scotland to take a stake in their own energy.
“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and local businesses profit.”
Local Energy Scotland Manager Chris Morris said: “It's great to see more community groups and charities developing energy projects and we'd like to congratulate all our successful applicants. We know how much effort goes into developing these inspiring proposals and we're looking forward to working with them to deliver lasting impact - locally and across the country.
“This is a crucial time for community energy projects in Scotland. Through CARES, we're helping local groups turn ambition into action, creating projects that not only reduce carbon emissions but also deliver long-term social and economic benefits for communities.”