SSE Energy Solutions has announced its intention to establish a regional headquarters in Newcastle “as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing decarbonisation, innovation and job creation initiatives across the city.”

The news follows the signing of an MoU between Newcastle City Council and SSE “to accelerate the delivery of Newcastle’s Net Zero Action Plan and foster a green skills workforce of the future.”

SSE Energy Solutions said the MOU “will look to provide more long-term, high-quality careers for local people in the £2.7bn low carbon economy by leveraging the city’s position at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.”

SSE Energy Solutions said: “As a major hub for global energy companies, Newcastle and the River Tyne Economic Corridor have been designated as a priority area for the £160m North East Investment Zone, which will drive investment and innovation in clean energy …

“North East England has the highest concentration of energy-related businesses of any English region and is recognised by the Department for Business and Trade as a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) for heat decarbonisation, a key focus for SSE.

“SSE Energy Solutions is a leading provider of local energy infrastructure and supports the decarbonisation efforts of local authorities and businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.”