THE King has said it is “remarkable to see the extent of all the engineering skills in this part of the world” when visiting the offices of GB Energy after it officially opened its headquarters in Aberdeen.
The publicly owned company was one of Labour's flagship election pledges when they took power in 2024, as they promised to cut bills by £300 and create 1000 direct jobs at its HQ.
Energy bills are in fact £600 higher than they were when Labour took office.
GB Energy has had no permanent home until this week, as staff worked from temporary sites with a significant proportion of employees based outside of Scotland.
On Tuesday, King Charles unveiled a plaque designed to symbolise Aberdeen’s energy transition at the offices after they officially opened.
“It is remarkable, always, to see the extent of all the engineering skills in this part of the world,” he said.
“It is a huge tribute to the effort and the genius of so many people in the north east of Scotland and wonderful to know all these traditions are breeding so many brilliant engineering brains.”
Ahead of the reception, Great British Energy announced £750,000 in funding for skills, training and employability work in the north east.
Dan McGrail, chief executive of Great British Energy, said: “We are working to build a lasting legacy in Aberdeen, creating jobs, backing young people into careers in renewable energy, and being an active member of the community here for years to come.
“This city has powered the UK for generations and we’re here because Britain’s energy future lies in working alongside the people and communities who know this industry best.”
The GB Energy headquarters will be at Marischal Square, an office complex in Aberdeen's city centre.
The company's existing lease runs until 2038, with the space accommodating a total of 77 desks.
GB Energy previously said it hoped 300 workers would be based at its Aberdeen HQ “over the next few years”.
According to the latest figures obtained by The National, 51 staff members (37% of the total GB Energy workforce) are working in Aberdeen, with just over half of those employed on a full-time basis.
The Scottish Government has also said further clarity is needed on plans to create jobs in Aberdeen.
Scottish energy minister Stephen Gethins said: “Aberdeen is a global centre of energy expertise and this site must now deliver on the promises that were made by the UK Government to bring high-quality jobs to the north-east of Scotland.
“It was previously said that up to 1000 jobs could be created at GB Energy’s HQ in Aberdeen and so far that has not come close to being met.
“We need to see an urgent timeline from the UK Government on how they will deliver.”
