Uk’s gb energy to target former oil and gas regions for clean energy transition, promising 10,000 green jobs by 2030

The United Kingdom’s newly established publicly-owned energy company, GB Energy, has announced plans to focus its clean energy investments primarily in regions with a strong history of oil and gas operations. The strategic approach aims to leverage existing energy infrastructure and workforce expertise while transitioning these areas toward renewable energy production.

GB Energy, which represents a significant shift in the UK’s energy policy, has set an ambitious target of supporting 10,000 jobs by 2030 through its investment portfolio. The publicly-owned entity is designed to accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy while ensuring that traditional energy workers and communities are not left behind in the shift away from fossil fuels.

The decision to concentrate efforts in historical oil and gas areas reflects a broader strategy to repurpose existing energy infrastructure and tap into the specialized skills of workers already familiar with energy production. Many offshore wind projects, for instance, can utilize similar engineering expertise and port facilities that previously served the petroleum industry. This approach could help smooth the economic transition for regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel extraction.

By targeting these established energy hubs, GB Energy aims to create a just transition that maintains employment levels while advancing the UK’s net-zero carbon goals. The initiative represents one of the largest public investments in renewable energy infrastructure in recent UK history, positioning the government as a direct participant in the clean energy market rather than merely a regulator.