GB Energy and the net zero transition

Scottish Affairs Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 28 Nov 2024 Parliament page
The Committee is investigating the transition to net zero in Scotland’s energy sector, and how the UK Government can support a transition that maximises opportunities for jobs and economic growth. As part of this, the Committee is examining how GB Energy and other interventions can most effectively back the development … Read more
21 Recommendations
21 Conclusions
2 Reports
11 Oral sessions
20 Letters
13 Events
Activity timeline 37 events
9 Sep
2026
Report published
21 May
2026
Report published
14 May
2026
Correspondence
14 May
2026
Formal meeting (private meeting) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
15 Apr
2026
Oral evidence
15 Apr
2026
Correspondence
15 Apr
2026
Correspondence
15 Apr
2026
Correspondence
15 Apr
2026
Correspondence
25 Mar
2026
Correspondence
4 Mar
2026
Oral evidence
26 Feb
2026
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 11 sessions
15 Apr 2026
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GB Energy and the net zero transition – Session 11
Michael Shanks MP · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
4 Mar 2026
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GB Energy and the net zero transition- session 10
Guy Jefferson · Scottish Power Energy Networks James Basden · Zenobe Julian Leslie · National Grid ESO Scott Somerville · E.ON UK Steve McMahon · Ofgem
4 Feb 2026
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GB Energy – Session 9
Charandeep Singh · Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Christian Calvillo · University of Strathclyde Lawrence Johnston · scarf Madeleine Gabriel · Nesta Ned Hammond · Energy UK Stephanie Mander · Citizens Advice Scotland
7 Jan 2026
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GB Energy – Session 8
Alan Roseweir · Wallacetown Community Energy Project Christianna Logan · SSEN Transmission Finley Becks-Phelps · Nadara Gail Anderton · Highland Council Lynda Mitchell · ALIEnergy Neil Mackinnon · Galson Estate Trust Zoe Holliday · Community Energy Scotland
19 Nov 2025
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GB Energy – Session 6
Dan McGrail · Renewable UK
2 Jul 2025
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GB Energy and the net zero transition
Michael Brannan · Offshore Energy Transition and Coal Legacy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Michael Brennan · Offshore Energy Transition and Coal Legacy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Michael Shanks MP · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
14 May 2025
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Doug Duguid · Aurora Energy Services Gavin Templeton · Veri Energy Jim Brown · Energy Skills Partnership Kenneth MacInnes · Forth Valley College Lynsey Benson · Engineering Construction Industry Training Board Neil Cowie · North East Scotland College
2 Apr 2025
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GB Energy and the net zero transition – Session 4
Anu Bhambi · EY Parthenon Colin Pritchard · INEOS Iain Hardie · Petroineos
19 Mar 2025
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GB Energy and the net zero transition
Derek Thomson · Unite the Union Ian Perth · Prospect Robert Deavy · GMB
26 Feb 2025
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GB Energy and the net zero transition – Session 2
Becca Groundwater · Energies Industries Council Hebe Trotter · Harbour Energy Jenny Stanning · Offshore Energies UK Louise Kingham CBE · BP plc Neil Gordon · Global Underwater Hub Russell Borthwick · Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
22 Jan 2025
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GB Energy and the net zero transition – Session 1
Ameena Camps · Just Transition Commission Emma Pinchbeck · Energy UK Fraser Stewart · Regen Hannah Corbett · University of Strathclyde Centre for Energy Policy Owen Bellamy · Climate Change Committee Professor Paul de Leeuw · Robert Gordon University Energy Transition Institute Richard Hardy · Just Transition Commission
Recommendations & Conclusions
42 results
1 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Increase government investment to create clean energy jobs matching North Sea oil and gas losses.
We are concerned that clean energy jobs are not being created at the pace or scale required to match the heavy job losses arising from the decline of the North Sea oil and gas sector. The scale-up of clean energy … Read more
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2 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Mismanged energy transition risks severe harm to UK economy, jobs, and Scottish communities.
Such an approach is the minimum necessary for a smooth transition of workers, and to avoid the risk of harming UK tax revenues, economic activity, and employment in many Scottish communities, where the effects of the transition will be disproportionately … Read more
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3 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Domestic fossil fuel production maintains energy security and anchors jobs during transition.
We recognise that with time moving to clean energy improves the UK’s overall energy security. However, as fossil fuels are to continue to form part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, there are compelling arguments to meet … Read more
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4 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Implement pragmatic North Sea licensing policy and clarify additional drilling permissions for developers.
The Government should set out how it intends to address the issue of the North Sea oil and gas industry’s decline outstripping the scale-up of clean energy. We urge the Government to take a pragmatic approach to its licensing policy … Read more
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5 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Set out plans to increase proportion of UK-based supply chains for clean energy generators.
We recognise that maximising economic return from clean energy investments requires supporting and expanding UK-based supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56) The Government should set out how it intends to increase the proportion of UK-based supply chains used by clean energy … Read more
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6 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Unclear and disproportionate Energy Profits Levy accelerates North Sea decline, risking job losses.
We welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that it now needs to take action on the oil and gas industry’s fiscal environment. However, a lack of clarity on the fiscal regime beyond 2030 has created uncertainty for industry in the North Sea. … Read more
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7 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Commit to urgent publication and early implementation of the new North Sea fiscal regime.
In its response to this report, the Government should commit to a publication date for the outcome of its consultation on the new fiscal regime. To provide much-needed clarity and confidence to the sector, the successor regime should be brought … Read more
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8 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Transparency in environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields requires improvement.
We welcome the Government’s publication of updated guidance on environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields, providing greater certainty to the sector. Given that each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Government has not … Read more
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9 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Commit to issuing explanatory statements detailing how oil and gas applications are balanced.
We recommend that the Government commit to issuing an explanatory statement after assessing each application, setting out how it has balanced the environmental impact against the economic and energy security benefits of oil and gas fields in its assessment. A … Read more
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10 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Unite the Union failed to provide promised 35,000 energy transition jobs plan.
Given what is at stake if transition is mismanaged, we are disappointed that Unite the Union has been unable to share, as promised, its plan to create 35,000 energy transition jobs. The plan might have been a valuable and timely … Read more
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11 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
North Sea energy transition plan urgently required but progress remains slow.
A coherent transition plan for the North Sea is urgently needed. While we recognise that the Government has been in power for 15 months, plans are not yet in place and the transition is already well underway. The Government’s consultation, … Read more
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12 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Commit to publishing a long-term North Sea energy transition plan with measurable skills transfer outcomes.
The Government should recognise the urgency of the need for a coherent plan for the North Sea by committing to dates for the publication of its consultation response and consequent transition plan. The transition plan should be long-term in scope, … Read more
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13 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Retaining oil and gas worker skills is vital for Scotland's energy transition.
It is vital that the skills of workers who have made Scotland’s oil and gas industry successful are not lost. We welcome the efforts of both governments to support the development of clean energy jobs and the transfer of skills … Read more
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14 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Clarify inter-governmental delivery, duration, and long-term financing for the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund.
The forthcoming transition plan should set out how the UK and Scottish governments will work together to deliver the Oil and Gas Training Transition Fund. It should clarify the duration of the funding available and the degree of UK Government … Read more
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15 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Ensure clear communication campaigns for oil and gas workers on energy transition job opportunities.
There has been a failure of communication from consecutive governments to oil and gas workers about the transition and what they need to do to prepare and benefit from it. Government action is required to ensure the visibility and promotion … Read more
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16 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Conduct a communications campaign informing oil and gas workers about energy transition job opportunities.
As part of its North Sea transition plan, we recommend that the Government conduct a communications campaign about the scale of the energy transition and the employment opportunities available, directed at both oil and gas workers and new entrants to … Read more
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17 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Grangemouth case highlights government inaction on preparing for industrial job losses.
The Grangemouth case is the energy transition’s canary in a coalmine. It has illustrated the need for Government’s active stewardship in the energy transition. Petroineos advised the Committee that the UK and Scottish governments were aware of its plans to … Read more
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18 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Establish principles for a just industrial transition drawing on lessons from the Grangemouth case.
In its response to this report, the Government should outline what has been learned from this case and what can be done to ensure that comparable industrial transitions will be better managed in future. Having consulted trade unions and communities … Read more
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19 Conclusion
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Clarity needed on Grangemouth investment decisions and taskforce integration.
Continued momentum on the future of Grangemouth is vital. Project Willow must not be left to gather dust while jobs are at stake. We welcome the Scottish Government’s £25 million Just Transition Fund and the UK Government’s commitment of £200 … Read more
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20 Recommendation
4th Report - The future of Scotlan…
Explain National Wealth Fund decision-making, Grangemouth taskforce role, and project criteria.
The Government should explain in its response to this report how its taskforce on regulatory recommendations will feed into decisions taken by the National Wealth Fund. The Government should make clear the role and influence of the Grangemouth Investment Taskforce … Read more
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1 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The Clean Power by 2030 target is extremely ambitious, and we would suggest the Government...
The Clean Power by 2030 target is extremely ambitious, and we would suggest the Government must use all the levers it possesses if it is to achieve it. Maintaining public confidence and rebuilding political consensus around the pace, cost and … Read more
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2 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The risk of undermining confidence in the transition is especially acute for those Scottish communities...
The risk of undermining confidence in the transition is especially acute for those Scottish communities being asked to host significant new energy infrastructure. In many cases, these communities—often in rural and remote Scotland—already feel disproportionately affected by the costs and … Read more
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3 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Great British Energy has important objectives and the backing of a substantial £8.3 billon capital...
Great British Energy has important objectives and the backing of a substantial £8.3 billon capital funding allocation. However, the organisation remains in its infancy and is yet to become the fundamental driver of clean energy development it is envisioned to … Read more
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4 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
If Great British Energy is to become the catalyst required to accelerate renewable generation and...
If Great British Energy is to become the catalyst required to accelerate renewable generation and meet CP30, it must now move quickly beyond the initial start-up phase and scale up delivery. This will be especially important if it is to … Read more
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5 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The Government’s intention to take a more direct role in determining Great British Energy’s investment...
The Government’s intention to take a more direct role in determining Great British Energy’s investment in Scotland, rather than allocating funding through existing Scottish Government programmes and public bodies, presents a potential risk of duplication and inefficiency. In its response … Read more
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6 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Given Great British Energy’s core objective is to increase public ownership of clean power, transparency...
Given Great British Energy’s core objective is to increase public ownership of clean power, transparency is essential. In its response to this report, the Government should clarify how much of Great British Energy’s £8.3 billion capital allocation has been spent … Read more
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7 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Scotland currently faces higher-than-average standing charges, largely reflecting the higher costs of transporting power to...
Scotland currently faces higher-than-average standing charges, largely reflecting the higher costs of transporting power to rural areas compared with large population centres. The burden of higher standing charges is particularly acute for Scotland’s remote and island communities, who also experience … Read more
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8 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Following the outcome of Ofgem’s imminent review of energy system costs, the Government should introduce...
Following the outcome of Ofgem’s imminent review of energy system costs, the Government should introduce a standing charge that applies consistently to all regions, which would lead to a fairer system for consumers across Great Britain, including in Scotland. (Recommendation, … Read more
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9 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Successive administrations have chronically underinvested in the electricity grid.
Successive administrations have chronically underinvested in the electricity grid. As a result, grid capacity has not kept pace with the expansion of renewables across the UK system. This causes the perverse outcome 51 of Scottish windfarms being switched off—sometimes more … Read more
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10 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Grid capacity is one of the biggest barriers to achieving Clean Power by
Grid capacity is one of the biggest barriers to achieving Clean Power by
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11 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
We welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce a mandatory community benefits scheme for new generation...
We welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce a mandatory community benefits scheme for new generation infrastructure. However, we remain concerned that the pace of implementation is too slow, with any scheme not expected to take effect until the end of … Read more
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12 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Meaningful community benefit extends far beyond financial payments.
Meaningful community benefit extends far beyond financial payments. Housing availability, access to skills training, and the creation of long-term local jobs are equally important. This is especially true in rural and remote Scotland, where the coming of renewable energy provides … Read more
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13 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
This should include a requirement that companies undertaking major infrastructure projects in rural areas construct...
This should include a requirement that companies undertaking major infrastructure projects in rural areas construct worker accommodation to a standard suitable for retention as permanent community housing once the project is complete. (Recommendation, Paragraph 86) 52 Read more
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14 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
While it is important to safeguard the commercial viability of renewable schemes, the Government must...
While it is important to safeguard the commercial viability of renewable schemes, the Government must ensure that the minimum compensation provided through its mandatory community benefit scheme reflects fair compensation for communities hosting these schemes. The UK Government’s proposed £5,000 … Read more
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15 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
In its response to this report, the Government should set out its rationale for its...
In its response to this report, the Government should set out its rationale for its proposed £5,000 per MW benefit contribution, and what insight it has taken from ten years’ experience of the Scottish Government’s voluntary community benefits guidance, which … Read more
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16 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
When determining the minimum compensation offered through its mandatory community benefits scheme, the Government should...
When determining the minimum compensation offered through its mandatory community benefits scheme, the Government should give careful consideration to the Highland Council’s position that £12,500 is a fair and proportionate level of compensation; this reflects the Council’s first-hand experience of … Read more
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17 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The mandatory community benefits scheme should also provide clear expectations on the delivery of non-financial...
The mandatory community benefits scheme should also provide clear expectations on the delivery of non-financial benefits, while ensuring sufficient flexibility to reflect local needs. Given the scale of development currently underway, the scheme should be introduced sooner than the end … Read more
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18 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
We would encourage the Government to use its existing powers under the Infrastructure Act 2015...
We would encourage the Government to use its existing powers under the Infrastructure Act 2015 to make shared ownership offers by developers of all new renewable energy projects. This would ensure community groups are able to take advantage of the … Read more
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19 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
We welcome the Government’s ambition to accelerate community and locally owned clean energy through the...
We welcome the Government’s ambition to accelerate community and locally owned clean energy through the Local Power Plan, delivered jointly with Great British Energy. However, it is disappointing that Scotland is disproportionately disadvantaged from benefitting from the Plan by its … Read more
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20 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The Government should set out the concrete steps it is taking to address this imbalance...
The Government should set out the concrete steps it is taking to address this imbalance and to ensure Scotland can access the full benefits of the Local Power Plan, including grid connection. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
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21 Conclusion
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
Repowering offers a timely opportunity for communities to expand community-owned energy while rebalancing some of...
Repowering offers a timely opportunity for communities to expand community-owned energy while rebalancing some of the unfair outcomes of the transition. As both the UK and Scottish Governments support the expansion of community energy projects, closer coordination is needed to … Read more
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22 Recommendation
1st Report - Clean Power by 2030: …
The UK Government should learn from the Scottish Government’s evaluation of its pilot, so that...
The UK Government should learn from the Scottish Government’s evaluation of its pilot, so that lessons can be learned for possible implementation in other parts of the UK. In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out … Read more
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Correspondence 20 letters
14 May 2026 Correspondence from Energy Minister Michael Shanks following up from 15 April evidence session, dated 13 May 2026
Parliament page
15 Apr 2026 Correspondence from Chair to Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and Climate Change, regarding GB Energy and the net zero transition, dated 9 April 2026
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15 Apr 2026 Correspondence from Ocean Winds regarding transmission charges impact on Scotland's offshore wind pipeline, dated 26 March 2026
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15 Apr 2026 Correspondence from Ofgem following up from 4 March session, dated 27 March 2026
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15 Apr 2026 Correspondence from E.ON following up from 4 March session, dated 20 March 2026
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25 Mar 2026 Correspondence from Neso following up from 4 March session, dated 16 March 2026
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26 Feb 2026 Correspondence from Great British Energy regarding GB Energy Headquarters, dated 12 February 2026
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26 Feb 2026 Correspondence from Scottish Chambers of Commerce, CEO Charandeep Singh regarding follow up from 4 February session, dated 10 February 2026
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28 Jan 2026 Correspondence from SSEN Transmission regarding follow-up from 7 January session, dated 20 January 2026
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21 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Great British Energy following up from 19 November session, dated 9 January 2025
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3 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair to Sharon Graham, General Secretary at Unite the Union regarding the energy transition plan, dated 03 June 2025
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3 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair to Derek Thomson, Scotland Regional Secretary at Unite the Union following up from 19 March session, dated 16 May 2025 and 16 April 2025
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12 Aug 2025 To committee Letter from Energy Minister Michael Shanks following up from 2 July session, dated 9 July 2025
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16 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from Offshore Energies UK regarding GB Energy and the net zero transition inquiry, dated 4 July 2025
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2 Jul 2025 To committee Response from Colleges Scotland following up from 14 May session, dated 26 June 2025
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18 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from INEOS relating to information requested during 2 April evidence session, dated 6 June 2025
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2 Apr 2025 To committee Letter from Unite the Union, regarding GB Energy and the net zero transition inquiry, dated 27 March 2025
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19 Mar 2025 To committee Letter from Andrew Montford, Net Zero Watch, regarding oral evidence presented to the Committee as part of its inquiry into GB Energy and the net zero transition inquiry, dated 6 March 2025
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19 Mar 2025 To committee Letter from Just Transition Commission, regarding oral evidence presented to the Scottish Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into GB Energy and the net zero transition inquiry, dated 6 February 2025
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22 Jan 2025 Correspondence from National Energy System Operator, regarding GB Energy and the net zero transition inquiry, dated 13 January 2025
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