The agreement, formalised in Inverness on 31 July, commits the two bodies to collaborating on shared priorities and maximise economic and community benefits of activities in the region. These include the delivery of clean energy generation and storage, the development of local supply chains, and the promotion of community energy projects.

Under the working agreement, both organisations will explore the potential to develop GBE’s investment in the region through HIE’s existing contact network of projects and developers. They will also investigate opportunities to attract other sources of funding for specific opportunities.

Relevant insights and expertise will be shared between HIE and GBE where this can accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects across the rest of the UK.

Stuart Black, chief executive of HIE, said: “The Highlands and Islands region has been at the forefront of Britan’s renewable energy development for the past 20 years or more.

“We have an abundance of natural resources and expertise linked to on and offshore wind, hydro power, and wave and tidal energy. This means the region will be of increasing importance on a national and even international level.

“When it comes to supporting the clean energy transition, we share many interests and responsibilities with GBE. It makes perfect sense to set the parameters for a working relationship that helps further the aims and objectives of both organisations and accelerate the transition to clean energy. That’s what this agreement is about and I’m delighted to sign on behalf of HIE.”

Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy said: “Great British Energy is committed to working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to accelerate the excellent work already underway there.

“There are significant opportunities to further develop supply chains to support the growing offshore wind developments in the area.  The sites of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport have the opportunity to create thousands of jobs, and Great British Energy wants to champion these efforts.”

The GBE visit to the Highlands and Islands included visits to the ports of Ardersier, Cromarty Firth and Nigg, and the site of the Sumitomo factory development. It also included meetings with local energy supply chain businesses, and developers of offshore wind, pumped storage hydro and wave and tidal projects.