What a Super Majority Means for Great British Energy and Scotland?
The polarisation of politics in the UK has undoubtedly grown since the decision to leave the European Union, but there seems to be some unity when it comes to net zero – but will Great British Energy divide or unite?
Labour fought parts of the election on this issue, and pitched the idea of Great British Energy, a publicly owned energy company focusing on the transition to net zero and boosting energy security.
If delivered there won’t just be huge implications for the UKs energy system, but Scotland might be at the heart of the programme and deliver true energy independence.
Untapped advantages in Scotland and the UK such as the long coast-line, high winds, shallow waters, universities, and skilled offshore workforce combined with extensive technological and engineering capabilities is undeniably an exciting prospect.
At the heart of this approach will be the ‘Green Prosperity Plan’ where, in partnership with business through a National Wealth Fund, which will invest in the industries of the future.
Perhaps taking note of the IRA in the United States, and the huge amount of private investment that followed Government commitments, Labour have announced their ambition to work with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030.
Great British Energy will focus on a suite of technologies
In a statement during the launch of Great British Energy, Labour explained: “We will invest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and marine energy, and ensure we have the long-term energy storage our country needs. A new Energy Independence Act will establish the framework for Labour’s energy and climate policies.”
While many across the commons understand the need to transition to clean, low-carbon energy; there have often been debates around the pace of this transition and ensuring jobs are protected, especially in Scotland.
One of the debates is around issuing new licences to explore new fields in the North Sea; but with a super majority, Labour will hope they can extinguish this debate and push through their plans.
However, with the Greens gaining four seats, alongside the commitments made by the Lib Dems and some in the Conservative Party, there will still be rigorous accountability from different wings of the political spectrum.
Super majority doesn’t mean an easy ride for Starmer and GBE
Keir Starmer still has a huge challenge to get this flagship project over the line despite the majority, but if proposed correctly could see some level of cross-party support as each of the political parties (aside from Reform UK) understand the importance of net zero and energy security.
Scotland, under the SNP have undoubtedly set some strong foundations for hydrogen production across Scotland, and despite the demise in the GE – dwindling down to just nine seats – these efforts won’t be in vain according to the GBE plans.
Labour have another potential headache, with the Holyrood 2026 election. You could argue that despite the issues SNP faced in the election campaign, a lot of Labour votes are ‘on loan’ from the SNP and they’ll need to act fast to deliver on ambitious climate targets; among other key issues in Scotland.
The majority comes into play here too; Starmer has a lot to achieve in Scotland and solidifying the political position here could be key to longevity for the GBE plans in the country. His sizeable majority might help channel policies to Scotland and keep a grip on Scottish politics.
Whatever the view on this, all eyes will be on the 2026 Scottish elections; including those of Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer.
On this, Hydrogen UK launched their own manifesto discussing what the new Government should focus on in the first 100 days of office.
The manifesto opens with recommendations for the immediate actions the government should take in order to set the stage for future hydrogen progress.
Hydrogen UK highlight the need for strong commitments
Referencing the first recommendation in this list, Clare Jackson, Chief Executive at Hydrogen UK, said: “Seeing is believing with any innovative technology. To showcase hydrogen’s true value, we must ensure pioneering projects reach final investment decisions as soon as possible.
“The incoming government must prioritise this within its first 100 days, or risk jeopardising all progress made thus far.”
Aside from this urgent point regarding FID, the manifesto also recommends the following actions to be taken within the first 100 days:
- The immediate funding of projects within Track-1 of the Cluster Sequencing Process
- Expedite the first allocation rounds of the Hydrogen Storage Business Model and Hydrogen Transport Business Model
- Appoint a UK Hydrogen Minister, or an Office for Hydrogen within government, like has been done with the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles
- Adopt a Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard to provide a single consistent definition of low carbon hydrogen
- Commit to future hydrogen allocation rounds and release the consultation on the design of the hydrogen funding mechanism
Picture Credit: PA
