Throughout 2010, the Foundation carried out an intense activity. Its initiatives have allowed the consolidation of the contribution of know-how and service to the community, both in Spain and in other countries, carrying out work which has been clearly recognised by different levels of society. The environment and, more specifically, the relationship between energy and the environment, have been the focus of the many seminars and research efforts carried out, where the immediate questions have been interspersed with long-term problems and ones with significant impact. Although during 2010 the emphasis was given to subjects of such significance as energy efficiency, offshore wind power, mobility, microcogeneration and the possible re-use of CO2, the Foundation also set out on a new path in the areas surrounding electricity, such as smart grids or the electric car, in a new approach in line with the current scope of the shareholders of Gas Natural Fenosa.

The work of relationship with the Governments of the Autonomous Communities has been enhanced through five new agreements, signed with the departments responsible for energy. These agreements enable the Foundation to maintain its significant capacity to operate on the ground, where its work is highly appreciated. Currently, agreements are in force with Andalusia, Aragon, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Galicia, Islas Baleares, La Rioja, The Community of Madrid, Murcia, Navarre and the Community of Valencia.

The international activity has counted upon specific programmes in seven countries on three continents: Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Morocco and Mexico. The firm initiatives undertaken in these countries have enabled the image of international involvement to be strengthened, in a context of evident growing globalisation.

The Energy Training Centre, devoted to the preparation of professionals for the energy sector, has clearly surpassed the forecasts, by reinforcing its activities, developing programmes and giving courses in 33 cities in 14 of the Autonomous Communities in Spain. In addition, training has been set up in Portugal, with courses related to the marketing and sales of electricity.

In the sphere of the historical heritage, the flagship project is the construction and launch of the Gas Museum, whose works, began in June, 2009, continued apace during the year. In addition, the museum project has also been defined, meaning that the facility is expected to be inaugurated in the second half of 2011. The Gas Museum, unique in Spain and the most modern one in Europe, will be a top quality benchmark for the presentation of the evolution of gas and electricity, as well as for the history of our business group. The Museum will provide a clear vision of the energy alternatives of the future, paying special attention to the relationship between energy and the environment.

The recovery of the historical heritage of the gas industry, carried out by the Gas History Centre, has continued to be carried out by means of studies, research and publications. Among the most significant contributions stand out a book on the history of the gas industry in Galicia, and another on the founders, in 1843, of today’s Gas Natural Fenosa. Moreover, the Historical Archive has continued with its work of conservation, cataloguing and dissemination, incorporating new materials proceeding from Unión Fenosa.

In short, during 2010, the activities of the Foundation were consolidated, by achieving optimal results in the intense labour of making society aware of the major environmental issues, globalisation, training, and especially the conservation of the historical and cultural heritage related to energy and the environment.

Finally, I would like to attest to the adaptation of the corporate name of the Foundation to the new conditions of the Group, in line with what is already a long tradition. Our organisation has been renamed the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation, in accordance with the agreements reached in the meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 10, 2010.

The reality of the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation gathers together the positive contribution and constructive involvement of government bodies and scientific, university, professional and civic institutions, united in a common undertaking. It is only just to thank all them all for their great collaboration enabling us to advance faster and more efficiently, in our effort to achieve a better, more humane and sustainable future.

 
Salvador Gabarró Serra
President