Scottish Labour group leader, Anas Sarwar, is heading to Germany to discuss Scotland’s potential to lead in clean energy. He is set to meet with representatives from EnBW, a publicly owned energy company with a significant presence in the UK, including the rights to build offshore wind farms in Scotland.
EnBW operates throughout the energy supply chain and has a strong workforce and revenue. The majority of EnBW’s shares are held by the state of Baden-Württemberg and local municipalities.
Sarwar emphasized the importance of learning from successful companies like EnBW to ensure the success of GB Energy, a key initiative to lower energy bills and promote clean energy in Scotland. He highlighted Scottish Labour’s energy plans focused on creating jobs, reducing bills, enhancing energy security, and demonstrating climate leadership.
However, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn raised questions about the timeline for reducing energy bills through GB Energy. During the committee stage of the Great British Energy Bill, GB Energy chair Professor Juergen Maier emphasized the importance of integrating more renewable energy into the grid for reducing bills and enhancing energy security. Maier clarified that the scope of GB Energy does not include specific commitments on bill reduction.
GB Energy is expected to be headquartered in Aberdeen, with additional satellite offices across Scotland to support its operations. The discussions in Germany aim to leverage the expertise of companies like EnBW to advance Scotland’s clean energy agenda and ensure the success of GB Energy in achieving its goals.