Launched in 2012 to channel investment into low carbon development, the Green Investment Bank will become Macquarie’s platform for principal investments in UK and European green infrastructure.

Its new owners have pledged to strengthen its commitment to Scotland by providing important new opportunities for the country’s low carbon industries and financial sector.

Macquarie said it is committed to the bank’s new target of leading £3bn of investment in green energy projects over the next three years, and to maintaining its green purpose.

Specifically, the Green Investment Bank will establish three new investment vehicles – an offshore wind investment vehicle, a low carbon lending platform and a green infrastructure investment platform.

Daniel Wong, head of Macquarie Capital, Europe, said: “It is a privilege to be selected by HM Government to acquire the Green Investment Bank. The Green Investment Bank is a pioneering business, with outstanding people, expertise, credentials, brand and networks. By combining the Green Investment Bank with the largest infrastructure investor in the world, we will create a market leading platform dedicated to investment in the low carbon economy in the UK and beyond. We understand the responsibilities that come with this ownership, and we are fully committed to maintaining its green purpose as we grow the business.”

Confirming the sale, climate change and industry minister, Nick Hurd, said: “The Green Investment Bank has been very successful in attracting private capital to the UK’s green economy.

“It now makes sense to move it into the private sector where it will be free from the constraints of public sector ownership, allowing it to build further on its success.”

Scottish ministers have pledged to hold the company to account to ensure it delivers on its commitment.

The Scottish Government has been working to secure the Bank’s future, while highlighting the business opportunities and professional expertise available in Scotland.

Ministers had also stressed the importance of maintaining the Bank’s green focus, and the role it has played in the remarkable success of Scotland’s renewable energy industry.

Economy secretary Keith Brown said: “I welcome the Macquarie Group’s clear commitment to Scotland and the assurances we have received that it will maintain the Green Investment Bank’s unique identity and its focus on the green projects that are key to Scotland’s continued economic success.

“This announcement is testament to the talent and opportunity to be found here and I look forward to working with the Macquarie Group to ensure its ambitious plans for Scotland are realised.

“The latest statistics show the number of people employed in the renewable and low carbon industries here has risen to 58,500, highlighting the sector’s strong record of success in Scotland.

“This, alongside Edinburgh’s leading role in the financial services sector, means Scotland is uniquely well placed to support investment decision-making in renewables and low carbon projects and I will continue to work with the Macquarie group to underline this.

“The Macquarie Group has indicated that staffing levels at the Green Investment Bank’s Edinburgh offices will be maintained and are likely to increase overall in the longer term. We will follow developments closely in the months and years ahead.”

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, added: “The Green Investment Bank has played a key role in securing investment for renewable energy, particularly in offshore wind where we needed to bring in significant levels of capital in a short space of time.

“We welcome Macquarie’s commitment to build upon the Bank’s achievements to date and to maintain its focus on the huge opportunities for further investment in the UK’s low-carbon energy infrastructure.”