Developing new solutions, for both consumers and companies, is one of the priorities enshrined in the agreement signed between the two companies. Energy startups are another important focus, in order to encourage the development of products and services in strategic areas. Finally, the agreement also seeks to strengthen the transformation of work and collaboration methods within the EDP group, streamlining mobility scenarios for its workforce while simplifying all business processes and identifying scenarios where cloud computing can contribute most to business success and operation efficiency.

This Innovation Program is expected to use Microsoft cloud computing tools to jointly develop proofs-of-concept which EDP will use to design, test and develop new, differentiating and market-oriented solutions. Microsoft also commits to share firsthand with EDP any news about products and events that may impact the energy sector, as well as to make the most relevant projects resulting from this partnership visible to its customers and partners.

Resulting from a joint, equal investment by the two companies, this Innovation Program is expected to be headquartered at EDP facilities.

According to Microsoft Portugal General Manager João Couto, 'this is an important step to foster technological innovation in the country and in a crucial sector like Energy. I am sure this partnership will have a very positive impact on the sector and therefore on the Portuguese economy, creating new collaboration opportunities on a global scale, enabling more efficient business processes and models and the development of innovative technological solutions, which will also generate more investment in the country. '

According to EDP CEO António Mexia, 'In a context where the energy business is undergoing profound global changes, with new technologies radically changing the industry's boundaries, it is crucial for companies to be at the forefront of debate and research. Fostering a spirit of continuous innovation in all processes and working with our stakeholders is absolutely crucial. This industry, which for a long time focused on asset management, is now also a relationship manager, particularly with customers. We want to be a model for Portuguese society: by investing, creating jobs and building new opportunities for the development of the country's various industries. The partnership we have announced today is another important step in that direction.'