The King has praised the “genius” of engineering skills in the north of Scotland as he unveiled a plaque at the new headquarters of Great British Energy.
Charles visited the offices in Aberdeen as part of a number of engagements highlighting the energy transition in the region.
Great British Energy is the UK Government’s energy investment company.
It was created with the aim of speeding up the transition to clean energy by investing in the country’s infrastructure and funding green projects.
The company was formally established in May 2025 and its headquarters in Marischal Square, Aberdeen, were opened recently.
On Tuesday, Charles joined a reception at the offices for people working in the renewable energy industry.
He viewed interactive exhibits focused on Aberdeen’s role as a centre of energy innovation, and met pupils from Harlaw Academy.
Great British Energy chairman Juergen Maier spoke to assembled staff from the company, saying he hoped the King’s visit “helps bring a turning point for our narrative to be more and more positive about the tremendous energy future that this city and this region has”.
Charles spoke to the crowd shortly before unveiling a plaque designed to symbolise Aberdeen’s energy transition.
The King said: “It is remarkable, always, to see the extent of all the engineering skills in this part of the world.
“It is a huge tribute to the effort and the genius of so many people in the north east of Scotland and wonderful to know all these traditions are breeding so many brilliant engineering brains.”
Following the visit to GB Energy, the King spoke to a crowd gathered outside the offices before leaving in his motorcade.
Ahead of the reception, Great British Energy announced £750,000 in funding for skills, training and employability work in the north east.
Dan McGrail, chief executive of Great British Energy, said: “We are working to build a lasting legacy in Aberdeen, creating jobs, backing young people into careers in renewable energy, and being an active member of the community here for years to come.
“This city has powered the UK for generations and we’re here because Britain’s energy future lies in working alongside the people and communities who know this industry best.”
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “For more than half a century Aberdeen has been at the heart of Britain’s energy system – the skills and expertise here is why this city will remain the energy powerhouse of the future.
“As publicly-owned Great British Energy opens its doors to the city, we are backing young people to be part of this next chapter, alongside skilled oil and gas workers.
The Scottish Government said further clarity is needed on plans to create jobs in Aberdeen.
Scottish energy minister Stephen Gethins said: “Aberdeen is a global centre of energy expertise and this site must now deliver on the promises that were made by the UK Government to bring high-quality jobs to the north-east of Scotland.
“It was previously said that up to 1,000 jobs could be created at GB Energy’s HQ in Aberdeen and so far that has not come close to being met.
“We need to see an urgent timeline from the UK Government on how they will deliver.”
Shadow energy secretary and Conservative MP Andrew Bowie said: “A year since its creation and with so little to show for the astronomical sums of taxpayers’ money committed to this, it’s clear GB Energy will bring nothing more to Aberdeen than an office with a plaque.
“Labour promised it would create 1,000 direct jobs, but with just a few dozen permanent staff, it’s no surprise people across the north east believe GB Energy is just a pointless gimmick.”
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