Gov. Herbert and Team Work with Clean Power Leaders in Italy While on Trade Mission

Statement

Governor Gary R. Herbert and his energy advisor, Laura Nelson, expanded relations with Enel Green Power (EGP) during the governor's trade mission last month, meeting with Antonio Cammisecra, Head of EGP, and visiting the world's oldest geothermal power plant in Tuscany.

Utah currently ranks third in the U.S. for geothermal production. Last year, the state expanded its national foothold for geothermal innovation when the University of Utah was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive up to $140 million in funding to advance next generation geothermal technologies.

Enel Green Power is the renewable company of the Enel Group, one of the world's leading integrated electricity and gas operators located in over 30 countries across five continents. The company's North America subsidiary operates the 25 megawatt Cove Fort geothermal power plant in Beaver County, which is the world's first large scale power generation facility to successfully combine geothermal with hydropower technology. The Governor recently recognized the site at his annual Energy Summit for its innovative deployment of new maintenance software technology, which will now increase efficiency across all of EGP's North American operations.

"Utah is dedicated to wise resource development, innovation, and clean energy exports," said Gov. Herbert. "We appreciate Enel's ongoing investment in our rural communities and look forward to exploring future opportunities with Mr. Cammisecra and his team to drive new solutions for renewable energy production and innovation in Utah for the greater national and global success."

The following day, Laura Nelson traveled to Tuscany to learn about, and tour, the world's oldest geothermal power plant, which is operated by EGP. Last year, the Larderello operations turned 200 years old. The plant has an installed capacity of 0.8 GW, providing energy to more than 10,000 users including private homes, public services and industrial activities.

"Enel Green Power's global leadership in geothermal energy dates back centuries, and we are proud to continue to strengthen our collaborative partnership that has allowed Utah to become the new U.S. epicenter for advancing innovative geothermal production and technologies," said Laura Nelson. "The Governor's Office of Energy Development is pleased to have played an integral role in attracting Enel to Utah by implementing the Governor's wise policy approach that promotes a business-friendly environment, while accelerating innovative solutions for an affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy outcome."

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