Great British Energy marks first anniversary

14th May 2026 in
Press releases

15 May 2026

Great British Energy (GBE) is today [15 May] marking its first year as the UK's publicly owned clean energy company, announcing the location of a further 49 community energy projects across the UK.

Established through the Great British Energy Act 2025, the company has moved quickly from foundation to delivery - backing clean power projects, investing in British supply chains, and helping to put money back into public services across the country.

Over the last year, through Great British Energy funding, 225 schools and colleges and 162 NHS sites in England have completed solar installations to cut energy bills with more set to be completed over the coming months. A further £25m of GBE and government funding has also been announced today to deliver solar installations at up to 40 more NHS sites. This brings the total number of solar scheme NHS sites to over 300 with up to an estimated £360m in lifetime net bill savings.  

In its first twelve months, GBE has also:

  • Published its first strategic plan
  • Made its first investment in 100MW Pentland Offshore Wind Farm alongside the National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank, a pioneering FLOW Test & Demonstration project that will help unlock the next era of offshore wind – deep water – and the industry that supports it.
  • Launched the £1 billion Energy Engineered in the UK programme to support UK manufacturing and supply chain, including opening the first £300 million of this funding for Supply Chains Fund for Offshore Wind and Networks.
  • Made its first supply chain investment - a £40 million equity investment in ITM Power to cement the future of hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing in Sheffield.  
  • Published the Local Power Plan to set out a clear vision to revolutionise the UK’s local and community energy sector.
  • Created the GBE Aberdeen Taskforce, Stakeholder Advisory Group and Trade Union Advisory Committee.
  • Announced its permanent HQ in Marischal Square, Aberdeen.

Through its Strategic Plan, published in December last year, GBE set out how it will help deliver the government's clean power mission to 2030 and beyond through prioritising onshore, offshore, local and supply chain activity.

Great British Energy will open its permanent HQ in Aberdeen later this year. The city is a world-leading energy hub that has been crucial to the UK’s energy security for decades, with an abundance of local talent and business expertise to draw from. 

On 3 June, GBE will host its first recruitment event in the Aberdeen Townhouse for professionals across multiple disciplines who are interested in contributing to the UK’s publicly owned energy company.

Great British Energy’s CEO Dan McGrail said:
“One year on, Great British Energy is delivering what it was designed to do – backing clean power, supporting jobs, and helping to build an energy system that is fit for the future.
“The second year is about turning momentum into legacy, setting the pathway so that every citizen can feel the benefit of public ownership with purpose.”
Great British Energy’s Chair Juergen Maier said:
“Great British Energy was created to be an enduring national institution. In our first year, we’ve been clear about our purpose and how we work as a trusted partner to industry, governments and communities.
“By investing for the long term, we can help ensure the UK captures the economic and industrial benefits of the clean energy transition.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“We set up Great British Energy because it is only fair that we have clean homegrown power that is owned by and for the British people. 
“In their first year they are already delivering - cutting bills for hundreds of schools and hospitals, setting out plans to back 1,000 community energy projects, investing millions to develop our clean energy supply chains, and backing new projects that will create thousands of jobs.”

Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England, Chris Gormley said:
“As Great British Energy marks its first year, it’s fantastic that 162 NHS sites have completed their solar installations. This represents important progress in expanding solar generation across the NHS because every pound saved on energy bills is a pound that can go back into patient care. These solar panels are helping trusts across the country do exactly that.
"Together with Great British Energy, we're building an NHS that is greener, more sustainable and better placed to serve patients for years to come.”

Notes to editor