THE board of GB Energy, the new publicly owned body set up by Labour to invest in and run clean energy projects, will hold its first meeting in Aberdeen today.

Labour Energy Minister Michael Shanks, chairman Juergen Maier, interim chief executive Dan McGrail and representatives from organisations including the STUC and Skills Development Scotland will attend.

The agency board, which is backed by pledges of £8.3 billion in government funding over five years, will, according to Mr McGrail, use the meeting to “discuss our plans to invest in secure, homegrown clean power, unleashing jobs and crowding in private investment.”

Former boss of Siemens UK Mr Maier said: “We are already engaging with industry on exciting investment opportunities so we can hit the ground running once Great British Energy is fully established.

Mr Shanks hailed “another step forward,” saying: “We now have a fantastic team in place to lead Great British Energy and establish the company in Aberdeen.

“By unlocking homegrown clean-power projects, Great British Energy will support thousands of well-paid jobs in Scotland and across the country and deliver energy security for the British people.”