Enel is planning to exchange information and experiences in the fields of geothermal energy technology and smart grids after signing a memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas. The deal comes just weeks after Mexico passed a major energy law aimed at reforming its oil and power sectors.
The Italian firm and the Mexican research body will undertake pilot projects, training programmes and technology transfers in geothermal energy and smart grids and will help the Mexican government to implement clean energy projects. "Enel has over a century of experience in the geothermal industry and is running projects with this clean resource in many countries," said Enel CEO Fulvio Conti. "With regards to smart grids, we were the first company in the world to install large scale deployment of smart metering system and today, thanks to our leadership, Enel is the leading coordinator of the EU Address project seeking at solutions to integrate energy customer demand."
The Mexican government is aiming to implement smart grid projects in the country to improve the operation and reliability of the power network. It is also planning to increase renewable energy generation. In December 2013 Mexico passed its energy reform law, which aims to open up the country’s power sector to greater participation by private sector companies.