ENAP is involved in the development of geothermal energy, through its participating interest in Empresa Nacional de Geotermia S.A. (49%) and Geotérmica del Norte S.A. (44%), which are conducting research on the potential of this non-conventional renewable energy. Both companies are associated with the Italian company ENEL. In April 2005, ENAP made a strategic alliance with the Italian company Ente Nazionale per l'Energia Elettrica (ENEL) for the development of geothermal exploration and production projects in Chile. This was carried out through the acquisition by ENEL of a 51% shareholding in Empresa Nacional de Geotermia S.A. (ENG), a company in which ENAP holds the remaining 49%. In March 2006, this strategic alliance was widened with the acquisition by ENEL of 51% of the shares in Geotérmica del Norte S.A. (GDN), the remaining 49% of the shares being held by ENAP and CODELCO, with 44% and 5% respectively. Law 19,657, on Geothermal Energy Concessions, enacted on January 7, 2000, allows the participation of ENAP in this industry and to take part in companies for developing this business with a shareholding of less than 50%. Therefore, ENAP has become partner of top-level Chilean and international companies for developing this non-conventional renewable energy with the highest standards.