Enel signs research and development deal with China

Enel CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace has signed two agreements with the China Huaneng Group and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), two leading Chinese power businesses. The deal was signed at the end of the Business Forum between Italy and China, which was held in Beijing during the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and come after past agreements with China on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

"The agreements signed today mark the beginning of cooperation with key Chinese companies in sectors that will be crucial for meeting the energy challenges of tomorrow," said Starace at the event.

The framework cooperation agreement with China Huaneng Group is a continuation of the joint carbon capture and storage work that began in 2009. The two companies will expand their cooperation to the development of conventional and renewable energy, the development of carbon strategy programs and academic research through their study centres.

Starace also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qiu Jiangang, vice president of China National Nuclear Corporation, the state-owned company responsible for China's nuclear programmes. The agreement provides for the exchange of information and best practices regarding the design, construction, operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants.

'These businesses enter into agreements with us because they recognise our expertise in developing technology,' added the Enel CEO. 'The agreements demonstrate the value of Enel's technology and experience in many areas of the electricity industry. I am confident that these agreements will prove beneficial for all parties.'