Enel seeks innovations in renewables among SMEs, start-ups

Italian energy group Enel SpA (BIT:ENEL) on Wednesday announced a collaboration initiative for medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups for innovations in the field of renewable energy.

The programme enables SMEs and start-ups to work with specialised technicians and use Enel’s innovation hub in Sicily so that they can design, implement and test their project ideas. The specific proposals have to be related with the development of innovative technology solutions in the field of renewable energy such as new solar modules, equipment for boosting plant performance, automation systems and artificial intelligence, hybrid renewable power systems, floating photovoltaic (PV) solutions, microgrids, storage and digital energy solutions.

Companies willing to take part in the innovations call can submit proposals on Enel’s Open Innovability website by November 15. The selected companies will also be able to use Enel’s network to find strategic partnerships that will help them further develop their business, while start-ups will be provided with an acceleration programme by Enel.

“With this project, we aim to make Catania a centre for research and experimentation in renewable energy technologies, leveraging the lab that Enel has recently launched and the support programme we will offer to the companies that work with us”, said Ernesto Ciorra, Director of Enel’s Global Innovation and Sustainability Division.

The initiative is part of Enel’s investment plan of over EUR 100 million (USD 117.3m) for its Sicilian technology hub, which will include a PV production facility and an innovation laboratory.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.173)

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