E.ON is to investigate ways to conserve energy and make its use more effective.
The publicly held company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Russian gas giant Gazprom to form a joint venture company to deploy energy saving mechanisms.
As well as exploring the use of renewable energy, the joint venture is to work with major European clients on resource efficiency, reports Datamonitor.
Alexander Medvedev, deputy chairman of Gazprom, said: "Ensuring stable gas supply and working to increase energy efficiency are two sides of the same coin.
"By opening this new stage in our cooperation, Gazprom and E.ON Ruhrgas once again confirm that conserving natural resources and protecting the environment are not only always in our line of sight, but are also priorities."
The joint venture, which the firms expect to form in 2009, could help E.ON strive towards the EU target of meeting 20 per cent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 as well as the UK target of meeting 15 per cent of from renewables in the same time period.
