The new four-year deal adds to the nine years the two have worked together on research into technologies aimed at tackling the worst effects of the fossil fuel industry.

The advance research to address climate change under the latest extension will be directed at solar energy, energy storage and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

Signing the deal with MIT president Rafael Reif this week, Eni chief executive Claudio Descalzi said: “Eni is strongly committed to pursue a strategy of energy transition.

“This