Enel X, the Enel Group's advanced energy services business line, and Ardian, a private investment house, have entered into a joint venture to manage Enel X's battery storage projects in Canada and support the acceleration of the development of similar projects in the country.
"Battery storage systems represent a key element in the transition toward a decarbonized energy system as they facilitate the flexibility and stability of grids, and we are committed to empowering customers to help drive the shift toward these technologies," said Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X. "This partnership with Ardian Infrastructure represents an important step that will further support the expansion of innovative energy efficiency solutions in the North American market. In partnering with Ardian we are combining our financial strength and Enel X's industry expertise to create even more value for our customers and further accelerate our growth in the region."
"This investment bolsters Ardian's position as a leading player in the sustainable energy sector across the Americas," said Stefano Mion, senior managing director and co-head of Ardian Infrastructure U.S. "This latest partnership, our first in Canada, marks an important step forward as we diversify our sustainable energy portfolio into the rapidly growing battery storage sector. Behind-the-meter battery storage is a compelling component of the sustainable energy ecosystem as it allows users to store electricity when it is least expensive and consume it when costs from the grid are most expensive. We are excited to partner with Enel X on the opportunity to accelerate the joint venture's growth, initially in Canada but longer term across the Americas."
Under the agreement, a dedicated vehicle company, 80% owned by Ardian Infrastructure and 20% by Enel X, has been constituted to manage the battery storage projects in Canada currently included in the joint venture for around 30 MW of capacity. The battery storage portfolio is composed of 10 asset locations throughout Ontario and includes two separate 10 MW/20 MWh projects expected to reach commercial operations in 2021. Through the partnership, Enel X will continue to construct, operate, and maintain these projects and will be responsible for the development of future projects.
The partnership with Ardian is in line with Enel X's effort to foster the deployment of cutting-edge energy service solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients, leveraging on the company’s offering of integrated services to end customers. All of Enel X's storage projects use the company's distributed energy resources (DER) optimization software that has the capability to maximize the earnings potential across multiple use cases, such as demand and energy management programs. Through the financial support of Ardian, the platform will enable C&I customers to deploy state-of-the-art energy storage equipment, aimed at making power consumption and infrastructure more efficient.
The deal is part of Ardian's ongoing commitment to invest in new technology and clean energy assets with the aim to create a more sustainable energy market and address climate change, as outlined in its most recent Augmented Infrastructure report.
