Two public organisations have signed a partnership agreement committing them to work together to accelerate the UK's transition to clean energy.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Aberdeen-based Great British Energy (GBE) signed the agreement in Inverness during a GBE visit to the region.

The agreement commits the two bodies to work together to identify areas of shared priorities and maximise economic and community benefits. It covers shared objectives such as the delivery of clean energy generation and storage, supply chain development, and community energy projects. Under the agreement, both organisations will explore the potential to develop GBE's investment in the region through HIE's existing network.

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Stuart Black, chief executive of HIE, said: "The Highlands and Islands region has been at the forefront of Britain'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. 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."

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."

The GBE visit to the Highlands and Islands included visits to the ports of Ardersier, Cromarty Firth, and Nigg.