Pensacola’s connection with Spain may go way beyond just celebrating the city’s 450th anniversary.

As the result of the celebration, Gulf Power is on an economic development mission to Spain meeting with government officials and companies in Spain’s thriving renewable energy industry. Representatives from the company will be there through June 6.

“We believe there is a growing market for renewable energy in the United States and we want to build relationships with these companies in hopes they will relocate or expand their operations to Northwest Florida,” Cliff Krut, Gulf Power’s Economic Development representative, said.

Krut is joined on the trip by Gulf Power’s Marketing Services Manager Bob McGee and Renewable Energy Project Developer Steve Wright.

The Gulf Power trip was set in motion last November when 10 Spanish representatives from Miami visited Pensacola in preparation for the King and Queen of Spain’s visit to Pensacola in February. Gulf Power made a presentation to the group on renewable energy which started an ongoing dialogue resulting in the invitation to come to Spain.

“There’s more to the 450th history celebration than just the historic recognition,” said Dr. Coy Irvin, co-chair of Celebrate Pensacola. “There are many good things coming out of this celebration and Gulf Power’s mission is just one example of how we hope to capitalize on our past to improve our future. They really liked what Gulf Power is doing in the green energy field.”

Krut noted that Gulf Power has had an economic development department for more than 80 years and that the company believes that building relationships is the first step in the process.

“These companies want to have a better understanding of the emerging solar and wind energy markets in the U.S. and we want to help them be successful in bringing jobs and investments to Northwest Florida. Hopefully this trip will accomplish both of those objectives.”

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