The acquisition is part of Enel’s strategy of building a new regasification terminal, which it believes is an essential part of diversifying energy sources, boosting the flexibility of supply and enhancing the security of Italy’s gas system.
Enel said that, as part of this strategy, the company has been an active player in the liquid natural gas, or LNG, market and already has supplies for the more than E600 million Porto Empedocle plant, which is scheduled to enter service in 2011.
According to Enel, the process of obtaining authorizations is at an advanced stage, as the Italian ministry for the environment has already issued a positive environmental impact opinion for the land works and approved the safety feasibility study.
Enel CEO Fulvio Conti said: The Porto Empedocle plant is a leader in safety and environmental impact – to date it is the only one to use underground tanks – and the construction of the planned marine infrastructure to complete the port will help foster commercial and tourist development for the entire area.
