Introduction

On 28th September 2023, Labour announced an £8.3b plan to bet big on GB Energy to power the UK’s clean energy transformation. Mentioned in the Labour manifesto and the King’s speech, this project stands to be one of the government’s most ambitious pledges as a way to:

• Save £93b for UK households
• Deliver 100% clean energy by 2030
• Create 650,000 new jobs

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has tagged GB Energy as a 'mission control centre' that will collaborate with authorities nationwide to 'turbocharge' the UK’s transition to clean-power status by 2030.

To help suppliers unpack the opportunities involved, in this blog, we’ll unravel GB Energy's key responsibilities, analyse the funding stream and consider its impact on procurement in the coming years.

What are GB Energy’s responsibilities?

GB Energy’s core mission is to lead the UK’s transition to clean energy by 2030, bringing a new array of procurement opportunities across the sustainability market. Businesses can expect a surge in tenders across renewable energy sectors, with significant opportunities in infrastructure development, energy generation and environmental consultancy contracts.

As our latest report on sustainability procurement shows, local authorities have been responsible for over half of all sustainability-related procurements since 2019. With GB Energy set to launch sustainability projects across the country, these authorities will likely continue playing a pivotal role in carrying out the government’s clean energy agenda, so relevant suppliers should track these buyers to capitalise on upcoming opportunities.

Download our report: The green edge: Capitalise on Labour’s sustainability procurement plans, to learn how to capitalise on sustainability funding.

Funding stream

The UK government’s £8.3b pledge to GB Energy is a significant amount of money to ensure this project can deliver on its ambitious goals. But where precisely will this funding flow?

From what we know, the funding will be used across several key areas:

• Infrastructure development: Ensure that infrastructure planning, construction, and maintenance adhere to sustainable practices.
• Technological innovation: Tools for tracking and analysing environmental impact, managing supply chain sustainability and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.
• Consultancy and professional services: This includes sustainability appraisals, carbon auditing and support for innovation in sustainability technology.

To get a head start on these opportunities, use our Procurement Pipeline pages to explore active buyers, track upcoming renewals and identify opportunities for your business before they come to market.

Conclusion

GB Energy’s £8.3 billion initiative is set to drive significant changes in the UK’s clean energy landscape, opening up procurement opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure and sustainability services.

Suppliers that serve these sectors should closely monitor upcoming tenders to engage early and secure a competitive edge. As local authorities play a central role in sustainability procurement, staying informed about these active buyers will also be essential to a successful sales strategy.

Stotles can help you track these opportunities and position your business for success in the evolving procurement market. Don’t miss out and start exploring today.