Miliband’s 1,000 Green Jobs Pledge Delayed for 20 Years, Says Energy Chief
GB Energy’s Juergen Maier reveals the 1,000 green jobs won’t materialize for two decades, with only 200-300 jobs expected soon.
Aberdeen, UK, Green Jobs, GB Energy, Ed Miliband
He mentioned that only 200 to 300 jobs might be created in the next five years. This is a big letdown for those hoping for quick job growth.
Miliband’s plan aimed to cut energy bills by £300, but Maier couldn’t provide a timeline. GB Energy won’t supply energy directly but will seek investments in renewables.
Miliband has said the company aims to make Britain a clean-energy leader. However, recent comments from Energy Minister Michael Shanks suggest the 1,000 jobs goal is still on the table.
Maier stated that GB Energy would create 200 to 300 jobs in the next five years. He emphasized that energy companies grow over a long period, often taking 10 to 20 years.
When asked if it could take 20 years to reach the 1,000 jobs target, he confirmed it could. Former Tory Energy Minister Graham Stuart commented on Maier’s honesty regarding the situation.
Acting Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie called the revelation refreshing but criticized GB Energy as a distraction from Labour’s policies.
Maier also avoided questions about meeting Labour’s Net Zero goals and the promise to lower household energy bills. He stated that GB Energy’s role is to help reduce energy prices over time.
When pressed for a specific date, he reiterated that more renewable energy would help lower bills. He acknowledged that GB Energy is still in its early stages.