Eni's "BRIDGE TO INNOVATION" project starts in Abruzzo

L'Aquila, 8 May 2009 – The Italian Minister of Education, University and Research, Mariastella Gelmini along with the Dean of the University of L'Aquila, Ferdinando di Orio, and Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni, signed an agreement under which Eni will plan and build a research centre in L'Aquila. The agreement also envisages a feasibility study for the construction of a district heating plant in L'Aquila. The agreement was signed in the presence of Eni Chairman, Roberto Poli.

According to today's agreement, Eni will also temporarily host 50 researchers and future holders of doctorates currently employed in the University of L'Aquila in its research facilities for a period of three years, thus enabling them to continue their activities.  Programs and activities carried out by the researchers in the Eni facilities will be agreed with the heads of University of L'Aquila. Hospitality will include transfer, board, lodging and access to Eni's laboratories, as well as the possibility of receiving scholarships or specific "ad hoc" contracts from Eni.

The new research centre, which Eni will create for the University of L'Aquila and which will focus mainly on energy and the environment, will also include a residence to house up to 100 researchers and students. The building will be built on a 7,500 square metre area and will include 50 laboratories, as well as technical areas, lecture halls and offices. The entire building will be constructed using sustainable technologies and renewable energy sources.

The feasibility study for the district heating plant in L'Aquila will be jointly carried out by Enipower and the University of L'Aquila. Construction of the plant will start as the feasibility study confirms the technical and economic sustainability of the project and as soon as the requested authorisations are obtained.  The plant will be fuelled by natural gas and biomass and will produce a total power of 120 thermal megawatts, of which 10 will come from biomass and the rest from natural gas.

With this project, Eni intends to contribute with human, financial and structural resources to the revival and re-launch of research activities in the University of L'Aquila, which suffered great damage following the earthquake of last April, compromising the development of research and teaching activities in the University. The project, which mainly aims to support research and the researchers of the University of L'Aquila, is part of Eni's ongoing commitment to sustainable development and energy and to the promotion of such initiatives in the territories where the company operates, enabling them to continue to self-develop independently and in a sustainable way.

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