GB Energy must formulate a technology-centric strategy if it aims to achieve its long-term goal of becoming a fully operational entity.
Speaking at the OEUK Conference 2025 in Aberdeen, GB Energy acting CEO Dan McGrail stated: “I firmly believe that to establish a publicly owned energy firm, we must prioritize technology at our core.
“I do not wish for GB Energy to be merely an investment platform. Our goal is to function as an energy corporation.”
GB Energy chairman Juergen Maier has previously expressed his desire to transform GB Energy into a UK counterpart to Ørsted or Vattenfall.
In his vision, the organization would broaden its scope from an investment platform, acquiring stakes in the developments of other companies, to manage its own renewable energy initiatives.
In his remarks, McGrail emphasized that several European state-owned enterprises were built around specific technologies – Vattenfall and Statkraft focused on hydro; Ørsted on offshore wind, and EDF on nuclear.
“We need to establish a technological strategy, which likely involves more than one technology, but rather a blend of technologies that fulfill that requirement,” McGrail stated.
GB Energy and floating wind
GB Energy has been striving to curate a clear compilation of investment prospects for the company, with reports indicating that it is considering Floatation Energy and Vårgrønn’s Green Volt floating offshore wind farm.
“I’ve mentioned floating offshore wind before,” McGrail remarked, “but there are additional sectors we must incorporate into that portfolio.”
He indicated that GB Energy will dedicate the upcoming months to crafting a long-term strategic framework aimed at evolving the company into a fully operational entity, collaborating closely with the industry.
“We desire to collaborate with partners on a national scale, as well as at a regional level, especially within the Aberdeen business sector, to ensure that the strategy we develop aligns and integrates with the regional objectives of our home city – that will be absolutely crucial,” McGrail stated.
“In the coming months and years, we possess an opportunity to establish a lasting British institution. We have the chance to revitalize significant portions of the UK through the energy transition, creating jobs, growth, and prosperity.”
He added: “GB Energy will leverage its position at the center of all these issues to collaborate with partners, the government, and industry, to instigate the changes necessary for delivering clean power by 2030 and beyond.”
