Demand Energy Networks Inc., the Liberty Lake-based energy storage company, announced this afternoon that it has been acquired by Enel Green Power North America Inc., the renewables subsidiary of Rome-based Enel S.p.A.

Enel Green Power operates more than 100 plants powered by renewable hydropower, wind, geothermal, and solar energy, with projects operating and under development in 23 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

Francesco Venturini, Enel’s head of global renewable energies, says in a press release that the transaction will strengthen the company’s position in the battery-storage market.

Also, he says, “By combining our global presence and expertise in systems integration with Demand Energy’s software and established product offering, we will expand the development of renewables and storage both in the U.S. and internationally.”

Demand Energy has carried out 24 projects, mostly in New York City, to date.

Gregg Patterson, Demand Energy’s president and CEO, couldn’t be reached immediately for comment, but says in the release, “Our acquisition by Enel underscores the strategic intersection of renewable energy production, energy storage, and an intelligent software controls platform.”