Enel SpA's advanced energy services division Enel X has won the delivery of 165 MW of demand response resources in Japan, through U.S. demand response company EnerNOC Inc.

The company made the announcement Feb. 8, following the completion of a tender for balancing reserves launched by several Japanese utilities. Enel Group said the tender win increases its "virtual power plant" in the Japanese market to a market share of 17%, or approximately 165 MW from 60 MW, when the new programs begin in July.

"This award further secures our growing presence in the demand response market, on the heels of our recent success in Ireland's first capacity market auction, and confirms us as a leading provider of advanced energy management solutions," said Enel X head Francesco Venturini.

Under the tender, Enel will manage energy demand from large industrial and commercial customers connected to utilities' grids to increase stability.

The tender is a part of Japan's market liberalization effort and a move toward a market for ancillary services expected to be in place by 2020.