SSE and Mitsubishi will explore a range of low-carbon technologies including offshore wind farms, smart electricity grids and low carbon vehicles, carbon capture and storage and high-efficiency power generation.

They hope to establish joint development projects, ventures, investments and supply arrangements.

Subject to the progress of the agreement, SSE and Mitsubishi intend to focus on, in the first instance, the delivery of renewable energy from offshore sites and the deployment of low carbon vehicles.

Adds to renewable energy partnership

In 2009, SSE established a Centre of Engineering Excellence in Renewable Energy in partnership with the University of Strathclyde with over 300 skilled professional jobs to be created by SSE over three years.

The agreement with Mitsubishi is expected to lead to up to 100 additional new, highly-skilled, engineering-based jobs being created at the Centre.

The renewable energy centre is on course to reach around 1000 jobs over the next five years.