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Promoting low and medium enthalpy geothermal energy exploitation in Basilicata
Published on 01 October 2018
Italy
Basilicata
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About this good practice
Despite the extraordinary potential of the Italian geothermal resource, there appears to be little knowledge or understanding of this opportunity and its implications for the general society.
Therefore, following results of recent works that have highlighted hydrothermal manifestations in the northern sector of Basilicata, a deep characterization and modelling of this area of both hydrogeological and geothermal interest have been carried out. In particular, the study of this area from the geological, structural, hydrogeological, and geophysical point of view is very important for the activities related to the exploitation of hydrothermal waters and for potential geothermal applications.
Moreover, the project provides training and information to technical and administrative operators to increase skills on the various aspects of geothermal energy. Therefore, in order to encourage greater exploitation and use of the geothermal resource, an updated database was created.
Finally, on the basis of the geo-lithological characteristics, the studied area results characterized by significant values of local thermal gradients. Therefore, it was then possible to provide for the installation, for a school falling into studied area, of technological systems for the production of heat and hot water by means of heat pumps and low-enthalpy geothermal wells, integrating the already existing solar and photovoltaic plants.
Therefore, following results of recent works that have highlighted hydrothermal manifestations in the northern sector of Basilicata, a deep characterization and modelling of this area of both hydrogeological and geothermal interest have been carried out. In particular, the study of this area from the geological, structural, hydrogeological, and geophysical point of view is very important for the activities related to the exploitation of hydrothermal waters and for potential geothermal applications.
Moreover, the project provides training and information to technical and administrative operators to increase skills on the various aspects of geothermal energy. Therefore, in order to encourage greater exploitation and use of the geothermal resource, an updated database was created.
Finally, on the basis of the geo-lithological characteristics, the studied area results characterized by significant values of local thermal gradients. Therefore, it was then possible to provide for the installation, for a school falling into studied area, of technological systems for the production of heat and hot water by means of heat pumps and low-enthalpy geothermal wells, integrating the already existing solar and photovoltaic plants.
Resources needed
The amount of funding/financial resources was 45,000 Euro and activities were carried out by Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis of National Research Council (CNR-IMAA), in collaboration with Universities of Basilicata and Bari (UNIBAS and UNIBA) respectively.
Evidence of success
The conducted study led to the formulation of good feasibility hypotheses regarding the exploitation of geothermal resources in the northern area of Basilicata.
Starting from feasibility assessments, the ITCG "Gasparrini" of Melfi school buildings was equipped with a geothermal system generating hot water for heating and cold water for cooling buildings during the summer.
The production estimate is equal to 68.04 MWh/year. The emission reduction amounts to 4.35 tCO2/year.
Starting from feasibility assessments, the ITCG "Gasparrini" of Melfi school buildings was equipped with a geothermal system generating hot water for heating and cold water for cooling buildings during the summer.
The production estimate is equal to 68.04 MWh/year. The emission reduction amounts to 4.35 tCO2/year.
Potential for learning or transfer
The costs of producing heat and domestic hot water using fossil fuels are destined to rise, in proportion to the tax imposed and the reduction in the availability of hydrocarbons. Especially towards Public Administrations, then, there is great expectation that they adopt "good behaviour", especially in relation to savings, to the conscious use of resources and to the promotion of the potential of the territory.
Therefore, the knowledge and skills acquired under this GP could and should be transferred to everyone who desires to exploit the geothermal resource in Basilicata; furthermore, it is possible to share and replicate this initiative among the project partners and other area of Basilicata.
Therefore, the knowledge and skills acquired under this GP could and should be transferred to everyone who desires to exploit the geothermal resource in Basilicata; furthermore, it is possible to share and replicate this initiative among the project partners and other area of Basilicata.
Good practice owner
Organisation
National Research Council, Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis
Italy
Basilicata