The Rest Is Money 234. Is GB Energy Starmer’s missing growth plan?
Dec 15, 2025
Jürgen Maier, Chair of Great British Energy and former CEO of Siemens UK, discusses the company's ambitious plans to provide a third of Britain's energy. He shares insights on attracting private investment for renewable projects and the potential for the UK to achieve 95% renewable power. Maier also highlights job creation in Aberdeen, the challenge of solar manufacturing dominated by China, and the need for local supply chains. He emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring for innovation and outlines strategies for community energy ownership.
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GB Energy Will Generate, Not Retail
- Great British Energy will own and generate renewable power but will not retail directly to consumers.
- Jürgen Maier says GB Energy will collaborate with big generators rather than compete head-on.
Public Money To Crowd In Private Capital
- GB Energy has £6.3bn for renewables and aims to enable 15GW of additional capacity in five years.
- Maier expects to crowd in roughly £15bn of private finance for major projects like floating wind.
De-Risk New Tech By Investing Early
- Invest early in emerging technologies to de-risk markets and attract private investors.
- Maier argues early public investment in floating offshore wind will build local supply chains and jobs.