1978-1992: towards a Joint-stock Company

1982: confronting with Europe - In 1982, the share of electricity produced from hydrocarbons in Italy is 54%, compared with 14% of the Federal Republic of Germany, 13% of England and 11 of France.

1982: environmental issues - the growing interest in environmental issues leads Enel to begin collaborating with associations for the defence of nature. An agreement is signed with the WWF for the creation and management of the Vulci natural oasis, arisen around a hydroelectric flood on the Fiora river, between Lazio and Tuscany.

1984: renewables at the start - Two demonstration plants fueled by renewable energy sources are inaugurated: the wind power plant in Upper Nurra (10 aero motors, 50 kW each) and the PV power plant on the Vulcano island (with a PV array of approximately 2.000 modules and a peak power of 80 kW).

1985: control of production and transmission - The new Enel system for production and transmission, one of the most advanced in the world, begins its activity. Subordinated to the National Control Center of Rome, to which it sends all telemetries and remote sensings from the nodes of the network and power stations, after collecting and concentrating them in eight compartmental control dividers. The ongoing analysis of these data, in real time, allows maximum security, continuity of service and minimum cost.

1987: the referendum on nuclear power – On November 8, 1987, the majority of Italians voted for the renunciation of nuclear energy. The Government, following the result, it suspended construction of new facilities and initiated the closure or conversion of existing ones.

1988: Light for the Arts - In the twenty-fifth anniversary of its establishment, Enel launches the "Light for Art" program, for the enhancement of the national artistic heritage. First realization: the lighting of six thousand square meters of mosaics in the San Marco Basilica in Venice.

1992: Enel becomes joint-stock company - Almost three decades after its establishment, Enel becomes joint-stock company, the first step towards privatization. Sole shareholder is the Italian Treasury. According to a survey conducted by Mediobanca in 1992, Enel is the first Italian company by revenue.