Italy's Enel signs deal with Indonesia utility firm

(AGI) Rome, June 3 - Italy's Enel and Indonesian utility company PT PLN Persero have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on sustainable power generation in Indonesia. The companies will investigate developing renewables, conventional and mini-grid power generation following an evaluation of the local market. Francesco Venturini, head of Enel Green Power who signed as head of the Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia region of Enel, said: "This agreement marks the beginning of a partnership that recognises Enel's commitment to develop an operational presence in Indonesia, the most important economy in South-East Asia. We are evaluating opportunities with PLN in all generation technologies in Indonesia. We are excited about cooperating with this important player in a country whose prospects are so attractive due to increasing demand for energy and the abundance of resources." As part of the agreement, the firms will share information and experience of renewable and conventional generation and explore opportunities, especially in geothermal energy, hydroelectric, wind power, solar photovoltaics and combined cycle.They will also investigate opportunities in mini-grid technology to supply energy to remote areas and islands. The two companies will carry out training courses and seminars, staff exchange, study and research programmes. Enel owns a majority stake in BLP Energy, one of the leading companies in India in renewables, whose wind farms have a total capacity of 172 MW and an annual production of about 340 GWh. Enel also owns a minority share of Indonesian mining company Bayan Resources. (AGI) . .