HIGHLANDS and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Great British Energy (GBE) have signed a partnership agreement to work together to accelerate the UK’s transition to clean energy.
The two public organisations will work together to identify areas of shared priorities and maximise economic and community benefits of activities in the Highlands and Islands region.
The agreement covers shared objectives such as delivery of clean energy generation and storage, supply chain development, and 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.
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, added, “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.”
