A landmark moment in the UK’s energy transition has arrived as the Great British Energy Bill officially passes through Parliament. This paves the way for the country’s new publicly-owned
energy company, designed to deliver cleaner, cheaper power, boost energy security, and create jobs as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Backed by £8.3 billion, Great British Energy will invest in strategic clean energy projects across the UK, working alongside private partners to roll out new technologies like floating offshore wind. The initiative aims to help the UK break its dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices while reinforcing its ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
As part of its mission, Great British Energy is also making direct community investments:
- £200 million will go toward rooftop solar and renewable schemes for schools, hospitals, and community buildings.
- The NHS Humber Health Partnership has already received £8.5 million, expected to save up to £14.2 million in energy costs over the system's lifetime.
- A £4 million fund is now open in Scotland for local clean energy projects like community-led wind farms, solar arrays, and river hydropower, giving communities a direct stake and potential savings on energy bills.
- In Wales, nearly £3 million will support similar local renewable efforts.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“Great British Energy comes from a simple idea: British people should own and benefit from our own natural resources.
“We are giving people a stake in clean energy and delivering profits for the British people.
“As part of our Plan for Change, this will make us a clean energy superpower and help bring down energy bills for good.”
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said:
“Great British Energy was created to ensure British people reap the benefits of clean, secure, homegrown energy.
“We now have full backing to scale up the company, crowd in investment, and back clean energy projects across the country.”
In support of the clean energy supply chain, the company is hosting a roundtable in Edinburgh with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, focusing on industrial opportunities linked to offshore wind. This follows an initial £300 million investment into offshore wind manufacturing, supporting jobs and infrastructure in Britain’s industrial regions.
As part of the broader Industrial Strategy, Great British Energy’s work reflects the government’s goal to ensure the UK’s clean energy transition is “built in Britain.” Strategic priorities and targeted technologies for the company’s future investments will be announced shortly.
Notably, the legislation has secured consent from all three devolved governments—a first in this Parliament—enabling Great British Energy to operate effectively across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, benefiting people throughout the UK. Photo by UK government, Wikimedia commons.