Spanish utility ENDESA has signed the Innovation Utilities Alliance (IUA) agreement with Europe’s leading electric utilities. Under this agreement the signatories will collaborate in the field of innovation, developing the electricity networks of the future as well as energy efficiency initiatives. The agreement, promoted and coordinated by ENDESA, was signed at a meeting attended by representatives of the participating European utilities: EDF (France), EDP Innovação (Portugal) and RWE Energy AG (Germany).

To facilitate closer links and the open exchange of opinions, a roundtable was set up where the objectives, scope and structure of the IUA were discussed. Those present then analyzed the technological and innovation expectations presented by ENDESA, contrasted these with their own business vision, and jointly identified lines of action.

ENDESA also presented its Innovation Circles (CIDE) and invited the participants to join. As a result, the companies will work together to develop and launch R&D projects. The three groups were present at the Third CIDE Seminars at ENDESA’s headquarters. CIDE is ENDESA’s vehicle for involving its suppliers in the challenges and goals it adopts with regard to power distribution technology, so they will find solutions and identify business opportunities.