GB Energy’s chairman admits it may take up to 20 years to create 1,000 jobs in Scotland, raising concerns about the timeline for promised energy bill reductions.
Sir Keir Starmer had promised a state-owned green investment firm in Aberdeen. This firm was supposed to help cut energy bills by £300. However, Juergen Maier, the chairman of GB Energy, said this is a long-term project.
In his first TV interview, Maier didn’t give a clear timeline for when energy prices would drop. He emphasized that there would be many opportunities for workers from the North Sea sector to join GB Energy.
Maier mentioned that GB Energy is just starting out. He assured that they will work on reducing energy bills. The company won’t supply power directly but will invest in renewable projects and attract private investors.
He stated that in the next five years, GB Energy plans to create 200 to 300 jobs in Aberdeen. He believes that as the company grows, there could be even more jobs in the future.
When asked about the long-term timeline, Maier said energy companies typically grow over 10 to 20 years. He confirmed that it could indeed take two decades to fulfill the job commitment.
Unions are concerned about GB Energy’s ability to deliver on its promises. Derek Thomson from Unite warned that if the company doesn’t act quickly, the North East could face job losses.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, criticized Starmer for not keeping his promises. He pointed out that energy bills have risen instead of falling, and job losses are increasing.
Flynn urged the Prime Minister to explain why these pledges are not being met. He believes Scotland has the potential to be a leader in renewable energy, but it needs proper investment from the UK Government.
