Great British Energy targets 15 GW capacity by 2030

Great British Energy, the state-owned investment company established in 2025 with an initial capital of £8.3 billion, has confirmed plans to secure a portfolio of at least 15 GW in clean energy generation and storage assets by the end of the decade. This target represents approximately one-third of the company’s initial 53 GW investment pipeline, signalling a strategic focus on a manageable subset of its broader opportunities. A spokesperson for the enterprise stated that the organisation remains committed to ensuring every community in the United Kingdom has the opportunity to benefit from and own local energy projects.

The company’s chief executive, Dan McGrail, outlined these ambitions during an appearance on the Energy Industries Council Clearly podcast. He noted that the organisation began with an investment pipeline of up to 53 GW. While the full pipeline remains under consideration, the immediate priority is to progress a strong selection of potential investments. The state-backed entity reported that it is currently advancing several deal opportunities, aiming to establish a robust portfolio that meets the 15 GW threshold by 2030. This approach reflects a deliberate strategy to concentrate capital on projects that can be delivered within the current timeframe, rather than attempting to execute the entire initial pipeline simultaneously.

In terms of human resources, McGrail indicated that the company expects to employ 300 people by 2030. This growth is projected to involve onboarding approximately eight new staff members per month, with a significant portion of these roles based in Aberdeen. The company also aims to support up to 10,000 jobs through its investment activities by that date. However, current staffing levels remain modest. Recent reporting indicated that the organisation employs 53 permanent staff, alongside 31 part-time employees and 48 seconded staff. Despite pledges regarding local leadership, a significant proportion of the workforce resides outside Scotland.

To date, Great British Energy has focused on smaller-scale community and supply chain investments. Notable commitments include a £40 million expansion of ITM’s hydrogen electrolyser factory in Yorkshire and a £7.5 million investment in the equity round of solar thermal company Naked Energy. The company also secured £300 million in supply chain funding for offshore wind and networks in December to address manufacturing bottlenecks. Furthermore, it has allocated £200 million for community solar projects, including rooftop installations on NHS sites and schools. A significant co-investment of up to £50 million was made in the 100 MW Pentland floating offshore wind farm. Treasury documents also revealed that nearly a third of the company’s funding is directed towards nuclear small modular reactors, with GB Nuclear contracting Arup for the £2.5 billion Wylfa project.