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In a significant move, the government has appointed Juergen Maier CBE, a former Siemens UK chief executive, to spearhead Great British Energy. This new state-owned entity, backed by £8.3bn in public funding, aims to revolutionize clean power technology deployment nationwide.
The official confirmation today names Maier as the "Start-Up" chair for an initial two-year term. During this period, the firm will launch its operations, and the search for a permanent leader is slated to commence concurrently.
This appointment coincides with the government's unveiling of the Great British Energy Bill in Parliament, marking a pivotal step toward establishing this public clean power developer. The bill underscores the government's commitment to transitioning the energy system toward sustainability.
The government also announced a strategic partnership between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate, the seabed owner. This alliance targets the development of 20-30GW of new offshore wind capacity by 2030, aligning with the goal of a decarbonized power system within the decade.
Juergen Maier, who is self-identified as an "Austro-British industrialist," brings a wealth of experience to the role. Born in Germany and relocated to the UK in the 1970s, Maier has since acquired UK citizenship. Significant advancements in energy technology marked his tenure as Siemens UK's chief executive from 2014 to 2019.
Maier chairs Innovate UK's Digital Catapult, focusing on emerging digital technologies and start-ups. He also serves as vice-chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, advocating for businesses in Northern England.
In addition to these roles, Maier was appointed last year by Louise Haigh, now the Transport Secretary, to lead an expert review of UK rail and transport infrastructure for Labour.
This blend of experience positions Maier to drive Great British Energy's mission to innovate and expand the UK's clean energy capabilities, steering the country towards a sustainable future.
Confirming his appointment to chair Great British Energy on social media platform X this afternoon, Maier said it was an "honour to be able to lead the UK's first independently-run, publicly-owned electricity company for a very long time."
"The opportunity is huge, creating lots more cheaper renewable energy, doing it faster, and creating many jobs in this exciting sector. We will work in partnership with the private sector and The Crown Estate to achieve just that. Work starts today!"
"Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned national clean energy champion, ensuring British people reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy," he added in a separate statement. "I'm excited to lead this company and work with the private sector and communities to rapidly expand skilled jobs and investment across the country."
The makeup for the rest of Great British Energy's governance – such as who and how many people will sit on the company's board - remains unclear.
However, in fresh documents published today setting out initial details and expectations for Great British Energy, the government said the firm would be "overseen by an independent fiduciary board, rather than ministers, benefitting from industry-leading expertise and experience across its remit," adding that "trade unions will have a voice and representation" within the firm.
Also writing on X, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband said Maier "brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his previous role as CEO of Siemens UK, and will be central in driving forward our new publicly owned clean energy company—welcome Juergen!"
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