Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Great British Energy (GBE) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the United Kingdom’s clean energy transition while delivering regional economic benefits.
The agreement was formalised on July 31 during a GBE visit to the Highlands and Islands, setting out a framework for collaboration across clean energy generation, energy storage, supply chain development, and community-led energy initiatives.
The two organisations said the partnership will focus on identifying joint priorities and exploring opportunities for GBE to invest through HIE’s network of regional developers and projects. Additional sources of funding will also be sought to support the shared objectives.
“When it comes to supporting the clean energy transition, we share many interests and responsibilities with GBE,” said Stuart Black, chief executive of HIE. “It makes perfect sense to set the parameters for a working relationship that helps further the aims and objectives of both organisations.”
The agreement also includes a commitment to share expertise to support clean energy deployment across the UK, with both parties describing the partnership as a strategic step toward long-term energy and economic goals.
“There are significant opportunities to further develop supply chains to support the growing offshore wind developments in the area,” said Juergen Maier, chair of GBE.
During the visit, GBE representatives toured key regional infrastructure at Ardersier, Cromarty Firth and Nigg ports and held meetings with renewable energy developers and supply chain companies active across multiple technologies.
HIE and GBE said the partnership aligns with wider national targets for decarbonisation and will aim to ensure that communities in the Highlands and Islands benefit directly from the clean energy transition.
