Enel AI Initiatives for 2025: Key Projects, Strategies and Partnerships

Enel AI Initiatives for 2025: Key Projects, Strategies and Partnerships

Enel’s AI Evolution: From Operational Efficiency to Strategic Dominance

The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the dual pressures of decarbonization and digitalization. Within this landscape, Italian utility giant Enel has emerged as a key player, strategically deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to redefine everything from grid stability to customer engagement. An analysis of Enel’s activities reveals a deliberate, two-phase evolution in its AI strategy. The initial period, from 2021 to 2024, focused on building a broad foundation of operational AI applications. The current phase, beginning in 2025, marks a significant inflection point, characterized by massive capital investment and the integration of AI into the core of its strategic and financial operations. This shift signals not just an adoption of new technology, but a fundamental rewiring of the utility business model for the digital age.

AI Adoption: A Strategic Pivot from Broad Application to Deep Integration

From Foundation to Frontier

Between 2021 and 2024, Enel’s AI strategy was characterized by widespread application aimed at achieving operational efficiencies. By July 2024, the company had deployed approximately 250 AI applications across its business lines, yielding tangible results like a 5% boost in energy efficiency across global activities. The focus was on foundational improvements: using AI for energy forecasting with partners like Myst AI (2022), detecting anomalies in PV plants, and launching a virtual assistant for wind farm management (2023). This period established a broad, functional AI ecosystem.

The period from January 2025 to today marks a distinct strategic pivot. Enel has moved beyond operational tools to embed AI into core strategic functions. This is evidenced by the exploration of “AI for Procurement,” using AI agents to interpret policy data, and a focus on generative AI for training sophisticated models. The applications have become more advanced, seeking AI to enhance satellite image resolution for monitoring energy sites. The reported impact has also scaled, with AI solutions now credited for a 40% reduction in power disruptions. This evolution from broad, incremental improvements to targeted, high-impact strategic integration reveals a maturation of Enel’s AI capabilities. The new opportunity lies in leveraging this deep integration to create new revenue streams and competitive moats, while the primary threat is the rapid pace of technological change, requiring constant investment and adaptation to maintain leadership.

Investment: Capitalizing on Digital Transformation

Enel’s financial strategy reflects its deepening commitment to an AI-driven future. The company is allocating significant capital to digitize its infrastructure, viewing technology not as a cost center but as a primary driver of value and resilience. This strategic allocation of funds validates the returns seen from earlier AI initiatives and positions the company to lead the next phase of the energy transition.

Table: Enel’s Strategic Investments
Partner / Project Time Frame Details and Strategic Purpose Source
Grid Infrastructure 2025-2027 Enel plans to invest €26 billion in grid modernization, with a specific focus on incorporating AI-driven solutions to enhance sustainability and digital transformation. The Future of Electric Grid | Enel Group
Share Buyback Program May 2025 A €3.5 billion share buyback program was approved, signaling financial health and providing capital flexibility for future strategic investments, including technology and AI. Enel Shareholders Approve €3.5 Billion Buyback Plan – AInvest
Renewable Investments 2021-2024 Period The strategic plan included €12 billion for 12 GW of new renewable capacity, with AI integrated for grid stability and to improve returns through a revised technology mix. Enel Group starts ‘new chapter’ with increased focus on grid stability …

Partnerships: Building a Specialized AI Ecosystem

Enel’s partnership strategy has evolved in lockstep with its AI ambitions. Initially focused on sourcing specific capabilities, it has now expanded to include ecosystem-building and ventures into adjacent technology domains like blockchain and advanced nuclear. This network of specialized collaborators is crucial for accessing cutting-edge technology and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Table: Enel’s Strategic Partnerships
Partner / Project Time Frame Details and Strategic Purpose Source
Masdar May 2025 Preliminary talks for joint development of energy storage capacity in Italy, expanding an existing renewable energy partnership in Spain. Enel, Masdar in preliminary talks over energy storage in Italy | Reuters
Nuclitalia (Ansaldo Energia and Leonardo) May 2025 Enel (51% stake) formed a joint venture with Ansaldo Energia (39%) and Leonardo (10%) to focus on advanced nuclear technologies and market opportunities. Enel, Leonardo, Ansaldo Energia team up on nuclear power research
Conio & Algorand January 2025 Partnered with crypto wallet provider Conio on the Algorand blockchain to enable fractional ownership of solar panels via tokenization. Italian energy giant launches solar panel tokenization on Algorand
Algorand January 2025 Formalized a partnership to develop a blockchain platform for fractional ownership of solar plants in Italy, fostering a sustainable energy future. Enel embraces blockchain: a partnership with Algorand
AI-EFFECT Project November 2024 Enel joined 18 European organizations (including EPRI Europe, Maynooth University) to establish a European AI Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) for the energy sector. Advancing AI Integration in the European Energy Sector
Axyon AI October 2024 Collaborated to develop advanced AI predictive solutions for energy trading, aiming to improve market forecasts and reduce operational risks. Pioneering Advanced AI Predictive Solutions for Energy Trading
EpiSensor August 2024 Enel X selected EpiSensor as a technology partner for its virtual power plant in Taiwan, comprising 2,500 battery-swapping stations. EpiSensor tapped as tech integrator for Enel X virtual power plant in Taiwan
Atento July 2023 Enel X Way expanded its partnership with Atento to streamline customer service for electric mobility in the US and Canada via a multilingual hub in Spain. ATENTO AND ENEL X WAY BOLSTER THEIR PARTNERSHIP TO …
indigo.ai June 2023 Partnered with the Italian startup to optimize business processes and accelerate internal training using AI. Artificial Intelligence optimizes business processes – Open Innovability
iMerit March 2023 / Ongoing Partnered with iMerit for data annotation services, including analysis of LiDAR and satellite images to train ML models for failure detection. This partnership continued into the 2025 period. Case Study: Enel Group Partners with iMerit to Analyze their …
Wazoku September 2022 Partnered to leverage open innovation for problem-solving and scouting opportunities to support sustainability plans. Enel Customer Story – Read how Wazoku helped drive innovation …
Myst AI April 2022 Enel Green Power and Global Trading partnered with Myst AI to use its platform for more accurate energy forecasting and improved efficiency. Enel and Myst AI: Optimizing energy forecasts | Open Innovability
Qualcomm February 2022 Collaborated via its subsidiary Gridspertise to accelerate the digital transformation of power grids, focusing on the needs of US electric utilities. Gridspertise and Qualcomm announce a collaboration to transform …

Geography: From European Stronghold to Global Integration

A Widening Geographic Footprint

Between 2021 and 2024, Enel’s AI-related activities were geographically diverse but anchored in core markets. Key partnerships were formed in the US (Qualcomm) and supported North American operations (Atento for US/Canada). At the same time, Enel initiated major collaborations in Europe, such as the continent-wide AI-EFFECT project, and expanded into Asia with a virtual power plant in Taiwan (EpiSensor). Italy remained a hub for innovation, with local partnerships like indigo.ai.

From 2025, the geographic strategy appears to be one of deepening its presence in key regions while launching new, technology-led initiatives from its home base in Italy. The partnerships with Conio and Algorand for a blockchain-based energy platform are centered in Italy, signaling the country’s role as a testbed for Enel’s most innovative ventures. The talks with Masdar to develop energy storage in Italy further cement this. This suggests a hub-and-spoke model where cutting-edge technologies are piloted and validated in Italy before potential global rollout. The risk lies in navigating disparate regulatory environments as these new technologies, especially those involving blockchain and customer data, are scaled internationally.

Technology Maturity: From Commercial Tools to Emerging Frontiers

Climbing the Technology Ladder

In the 2021-2024 period, Enel focused on deploying and scaling commercially mature AI technologies. This is evidenced by the launch of products like the Quantum Edge® Device (QEd) for grid digitalization (2021) and the DynamicDR platform (2024), which uses AI/ML for real-time demand response. Pilot projects were aimed at specific operational problems, such as the AI tool for anomaly detection in PV plants (2022) and the Innothon challenge for robotics in renewables (2023). This phase was about harnessing existing AI to solve known problems at scale.

The period since January 2025 demonstrates a clear push into emerging and experimental technologies. While continuing to leverage its mature AI platforms for grid management (evidenced by the 40% reduction in disruptions), Enel is now actively exploring the next frontier. This includes seeking solutions for AI-enhanced satellite imagery and exploring use cases for generative AI—technologies that are still in the early stages of commercial application in the energy sector. The creation of a dedicated “AI for Procurement” function signifies the transition of AI from a purely technical tool to a core business process integrator. This shift from deploying commercial AI to actively shaping its next generation indicates a high level of confidence and a long-term vision for technology leadership.

Table: Enel’s AI Strategy SWOT Analysis
SWOT Category 2021 – 2023 2024 – 2025 What Changed / Resolved / Validated
Strength Established a broad portfolio of operational AI applications (~250 by July 2024) and foundational partnerships for data (iMerit) and forecasting (Myst AI), achieving a 5% energy efficiency boost. Demonstrated high-impact results (40% reduction in power disruptions) and launched advanced applications in energy trading (Axyon AI partnership) and grid management (DynamicDR platform). The strategy shifted from achieving broad, incremental efficiency to delivering significant, quantifiable improvements in core operations like grid stability, validating the ROI of earlier AI efforts.
Weakness Relied on external partners for key capabilities, such as iMerit for data annotation and Myst AI for forecasting platforms, indicating potential gaps in specialized in-house talent. Continues to rely on external partners for cutting-edge technology, such as Conio and Algorand for blockchain and Axyon AI for trading algorithms, suggesting a strategy of partnering rather than building all expertise internally. The dependency has matured from foundational needs (data annotation) to highly specialized, frontier technologies (blockchain, advanced trading AI), validating Enel’s core competencies while acknowledging the need for external innovation.
Opportunity Focused on operational optimization through AI, such as PV anomaly detection, virtual assistants for wind farms, and automating tasks via robotics challenges (Innothon 2023). Expanding AI into strategic corporate functions (“AI for Procurement”) and exploring next-generation technologies like generative AI and AI-enhanced satellite image resolution. The scope of opportunity expanded from optimizing physical assets and operations to transforming core business processes and creating new data-centric capabilities, signaling a deeper strategic integration of AI.
Threat The primary focus was on internal deployment and developing proprietary solutions like the QEd device, with less emphasis on the broader competitive tech ecosystem. The competitive landscape is intensifying, with tech integrators like Itron partnering with giants like Nvidia and Microsoft to bring GenAI to the smart grid edge, creating powerful new ecosystems. The nature of the threat has evolved from direct utility competitors to broader technology ecosystems. This validates the importance of AI but also raises the competitive stakes significantly.

Forward-Looking Insights: The Dawn of the AI-Native Utility

What to Watch in the Year Ahead

The most recent data from 2025 signals that Enel is accelerating its transition toward becoming an AI-native utility. The massive €26 billion investment earmarked for AI-driven grid solutions is the most powerful signal of this commitment. Market actors should watch for the first tangible outputs of this investment, likely in the form of new grid management platforms or services that leverage the generative AI and satellite imagery capabilities Enel is currently exploring.

The partnerships with Algorand and Conio are more than just a technology pilot; they represent an attempt to build new, decentralized energy markets. The success or failure of this solar panel tokenization initiative in Italy will be a key indicator of the viability of blockchain-based business models in the regulated utility space. Furthermore, the “AI for Procurement” initiative is a signal that AI is no longer confined to the engineering department. Expect to see AI’s influence spread to other corporate functions like finance, HR, and legal. The momentum is clearly behind deeper, strategic integration. The key signal to monitor will be how Enel translates its advanced technological explorations and massive capital investments into new, scalable revenue streams and a sustained competitive advantage in a rapidly digitizing energy world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in Enel’s AI strategy between the 2021-2024 period and the current phase starting in 2025?
The primary difference is a shift from broad operational application to deep strategic integration. From 2021 to 2024, Enel focused on deploying numerous AI tools (~250) to achieve foundational efficiencies, like a 5% boost in energy efficiency. Since 2025, the strategy has pivoted to embedding advanced AI into core business functions like procurement and finance, using massive capital investment (€26 billion for grids) to achieve high-impact results, such as a 40% reduction in power disruptions.

How is Enel financing its major push into AI and digitalization?
Enel is funding its strategy through significant capital allocation. The company has earmarked €26 billion for grid modernization between 2025 and 2027, with a specific focus on AI-driven solutions. Additionally, a €3.5 billion share buyback program approved in May 2025 signals strong financial health and provides capital flexibility for strategic technology investments.

Why is Enel partnering with companies in fields like blockchain and crypto wallets?
Enel is partnering with companies like Algorand (blockchain) and Conio (crypto wallet) to explore and build new business models beyond traditional utility services. Their collaboration aims to create a platform for the fractional ownership of solar panels via tokenization. This demonstrates a strategy of using emerging technologies to create new markets, foster customer participation, and develop new revenue streams.

What are the biggest opportunities and threats facing Enel’s AI strategy?
The biggest opportunity lies in moving beyond operational efficiency to redefine its business model, creating new revenue streams through initiatives like solar panel tokenization and transforming core corporate functions like procurement with AI. The primary threat comes from the intensifying competition from broad technology ecosystems, such as tech integrators partnering with giants like Nvidia and Microsoft, which could outpace Enel’s innovation if the company doesn’t constantly invest and adapt.

What are the key indicators to watch for in Enel’s AI strategy over the next year?
Key indicators to watch are the first tangible products or services emerging from the €26 billion grid investment, particularly those using generative AI or enhanced satellite imagery. The success of the solar panel tokenization project in Italy will be a crucial test for blockchain-based energy models. Finally, look for evidence of AI’s expansion into other corporate functions beyond operations, such as finance and HR, which would confirm its deep strategic integration.

Want strategic insights like this on your target company or market?

Build clean tech reports in minutes — not days — with real data on partnerships, commercial activities, sustainability strategies, and emerging trends.

Experience In-Depth, Real-Time Analysis

For just $200/year (not $200/hour). Stop wasting time with alternatives:

  • Consultancies take weeks and cost thousands.
  • ChatGPT and Perplexity lack depth.
  • Googling wastes hours with scattered results.

Enki delivers fresh, evidence-based insights covering your market, your customers, and your competitors.

Trusted by Fortune 500 teams. Market-specific intelligence.

Explore Your Market →

One-week free trial. Cancel anytime.


Erhan Eren

Ready to uncover market signals like these in your own clean tech niche?
Let Enki Research Assistant do the heavy lifting.
Whether you’re tracking hydrogen, fuel cells, CCUS, or next-gen batteries—Enki delivers tailored insights from global project data, fast.
Email erhan@enkiai.com for your one-week trial.

Privacy Preference Center