The new British government aspires to a leading role in energy policy globally
After nearly three weeks in office, the new British government has begun implementing a new energy policy aimed at weaning Britain off fossil fuels and taking a leading global role in the energy transition. "I want to win the race for clean energy", said Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the northern English industrial port town of Runcorn on Thursday. A key element is the establishment of the state energy company "Great British Energy", which is intended to invest in green energies.
The government introduced a bill for the founding of GB Energy into parliament on Thursday, to be voted on September 5. The company is to have its headquarters in Scotland. "We have the potential to use our ports, workers, talents, and now also a government that is determined to seize opportunities", Starmer emphasized. His Labour party wants to show that "the transformation has already begun" after 14 years in opposition.
"We have missed opportunities for a decade to increase energy security, lower bills, and create qualified jobs", Starmer criticized the Conservative predecessor government. According to plans, the state will fund GB Energy with 8.3 billion pounds (around 9.9 billion Euros). Private investments are also expected. The state-owned company is to invest in future technologies such as wind turbines, tidal energy, and nuclear power.
The government also announced a collaboration between GB Energy and the Crown Estate, which manages the assets of the British monarchy, including large areas of the sea off the British coast, where extensive offshore wind farms could be built. Britain has committed to climate neutrality by 2050. The Conservatives had recently set ambitious targets, but they had been scaled back. The Labour party had promised in its election campaign to make Britain a "superpower for green energy".
Since taking office, the government under Starmer has already lifted the ban on wind farm construction in Britain, which the Tories had imposed in 2015.
The government's new energy bill, introduced for GB Energy in parliament, aims to establish its headquarters in Scotland, showcasing their commitment to harnessing the nation's potential in green energies. Prime Minister Starmer stressed, "This roll of green energy is a new chapter, one we've missed for a decade, but now, with our resources and determination, we're turning green into our new normal."
