On August 12, 2011, in Moscow, JSC IDGC Holding and Ensto Finland Oy (Ensto; Finland) entered into a cooperation agreement aimed at developing Russia’s electricity distribution grid sector and enhancing its reliability and energy efficiency through the integrated introduction of innovative solutions and research results. The document was signed by Nikolay Shvets, Director General of IDGC Holding, and Timo Luukkainen, President and CEO of Ensto.

The agreement provides for cooperation between the parties in engineering research (improving the quality of Ensto products and designing new electricity network equipment for IDGC Holding’s operating subsidiaries) and contains an option for a joint venture to be formed in Russia in the future to manufacture fittings for self-supported insulated wires.

As part of the cooperation, Ensto guarantees that a full range of its products will be supplied (with a reserve warehouse to be set up for Interregional and Regional Distribution Grid Companies), technical and maintenance support will be provided for the operation and installation of its products, and personnel of IDGC Holding’s companies will receive necessary training. Ensto representatives will also be able to participate in drawing up IDGC Holding’s technical standard documents related to the design and operation of electricity distribution grid facilities, including transmission lines.

For its part, IDGC Holding will invite Ensto representatives to attend technical conferences and meetings of the Scientific and Technical Council and take part in joint research and development.

“It is of particular importance to IDGC Holding’s companies that the equipment, specifically Ensto fittings, has proven efficient in the Russian severe climate,” Nikolay Shvets said. “Given the scale of IDGC Holding’s electric grid infrastructure and the scope of our existing programs to replace obsolete equipment and put new capacity into operation, the long-term cooperation between the companies is likely to benefit them both and contribute to the increased system reliability of Russia’s electricity distribution grid sector.”

“We appreciate the fact that one of the most reputable and advanced companies in its business area offered us cooperation,” Timo Luukkainen said. “I am sure that together with such a strong partner, we will be able to create energy-efficient and highly reliable solutions that will succeed beyond the expectations of the Russian market. It is particularly important that IDGC Holding’s advanced technology will help produce excellent results in building electricity distribution networks.”