Italian utility Enel through its Enel Green Power North America unit has become a global partner of and strategic advisor to Hawaii-based incubator for clean energy start-ups Energy Excelerator.

“Innovation is key to both our business strategy and to helping us keep up with the shifting energy landscape,” says Francesco Venturini, head of global renewable energies at Enel.

“Hawaii is one of the most promising innovation testing grounds which has a high penetration of renewable energy sources, and through this partnership we aim to expand our network of innovators to open energy up to new uses, new technologies and new people.”