The Labour Party would create a new state renewable energy company for the UK in its first year in government if elected.
Leader Sir Keir Starmer told delegates at Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool that the publicly owned company, dubbed Great British Energy, would work with independent businesses to drive an expansion in renewable energy.
Great British Energy would be modelled on France’s EDF and other firms owned by foreign states that operate in the UK.
Greenpeace said establishing a UK-owned energy generator has the potential to give homegrown renewables a “big boost” and that “vital emerging technologies”, like floating offshore wind and green hydrogen electrolysers, could be given the extra support needed as UK supply chains are grown and costs come down.
Rebecca Newsom, Greenpeace UK head of politics, said: “To be truly effective and deliver on Labour’s commitment to a fair climate transition, a publicly owned energy agency would need to give fossil fuel workers smooth routes into the clean energy sector.
“Right now, we already know that more renewable jobs must go to local workers, with fair contracts and safe working conditions, and there must be proper training and reskilling for workers moving across from the oil and gas industry.”
UK100 Chief Executive, Polly Billington, said: “While plans for a ‘Great British Energy Company’ were warmly received at the Labour Party conference, the public will want more details on how exactly it will work to reduce their bills.
“At the moment, Britain is paying the price of successive governments kicking the can down the road and not making our homes fit for the future.
“The cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use, but this has been overlooked time and again.
“To avoid another winter like this one, where millions are expected to fall into fuel poverty, we need an energy efficiency revolution.”
Trades Union Congress (TUC) general secretary Frances O’Grady added: “This is a big, bold move that will cut bills and secure our energy future. This new national energy champion can provide high-quality jobs to every corner of the UK, and it’s about time the public shared in the profits of British energy.”