The UK Government set out 5 missions they aim to complete, one of which being ‘Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower’ by delivering clean energy by 2030 to support the achievement of long-term net zero carbon goals. The Government has identified that to achieve this mission, significant investment is required in clean energy generation capacity which will need collaboration between the private sector and the Government.
Great British Energy was formed earlier this year, with the Great British Energy Act 2025 making the necessary legal provisions. Great British Energy is an operationally independent company in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, and is wholly owned by the UK Government (publicly-owned). The aim of Great British Energy is to facilitate, encourage and participate in:
- the production, distribution, storage and supply of clean energy*;
- the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from energy produced using fossil fuels;
- improvements in energy efficiency;
- measures for ensuring energy security for the UK; and
- measures to tackle slavery and human trafficking in the company’s supply chain.
*Clean energy means energy produced using sources other than fossil fuels.
Great British Energy will establish itself as an ‘expert development partner’, developing, investing in, owning, building and operating clean energy projects across the UK, partnering with private companies.
The Great British Energy Act 2025 lays out various requirements, including:
- the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) must publish a statement of strategic priorities for Great British Energy within 6 months of the Act coming into play, so we are expecting this before the end of 2025;
- Great British Energy must review the impact of its activities on the achievement of sustainable development in the UK; and
- an independent review must be organised by the DESNZ to assess the effectiveness of Great British Energy with consideration of the strategic priorities established.
Not only does Great British Energy aim to drive clean energy deployment, it also aims to create jobs, boost energy independence during a time of energy insecurity, and utilise partnerships between the industry and unions as well as communities and local authorities.
