Annual Report 2010 - Enel.com

evaluate the effects of its operations on biodiversity so
that it can find solutions to compensate for or improve
the original environment. In the area of wind power, Enel
has always taken into account bird migration patterns in
identifying suitable locations for its sites. And in building
its electricity grid, Enel carries out studies to identify
the best structural solutions, materials, components and
geometry for its power lines and poles. By choosing appropriate
routes for its lines and raising them above the
Research and development
In 2010, the Enel Group spent about €87 million on developing
and demonstrating innovative technologies in
the fields of fossil-fuel power generation (with a focus on
CO capture and storage, hydrogen, emissions reduction,
2
and increasing power plant efficiency), renewable energy
(with a focus on photovoltaic and thermal solar, geothermal,
wind and biomass), energy efficiency, smart grids,
distributed power generation, and electrical mobility.
Research and development fell within the scope of the
Technological Innovation Plan (for about €700 million for
136 Enel Annual Report 2010 Report on operations
tree line, Enel can reduce the number of trees that need
to be cut down; using insulated cables eliminates the risk
of electrocuting birds; and using visual markers for highvoltage
cables reduces the likelihood that birds will collide
with and be electrocuted by the lines.
Enel also lives out its commitment to biodiversity by focusing
on protecting species found on the “Red List” put out
by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN).
the period 2010-2014), which was developed in cooperation
with Endesa, with whom Enel has established joint
priorities and has integrated its R&D projects in order to
avoid duplication and ensure that experience and knowhow
concerning projects of interest to both groups are
exchanged via dedicated work groups.
The following are the main activities that were conducted
and the results achieved.