Geothermal development in southern Italy and the contribution of VIGOR Project

Abstract

VIGOR, a three year Project launched at the end of 2010, is dedicated to a comprehensive geothermal assessment of geothermal energy and its technological applications in four regions of southern Italy. It refers to any kind of geothermal use, from air conditioning by means of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) to direct uses for industrial processes to power production, depending on the natural resource and the economic and social aspects of the reference territories. In the two years of activity VIGOR has provided eight feasibility studies for geothermal resources in a wide range of temperatures, proposing eight different kinds of exploitation technologies, which have been chosen on the base of the resource as well as on the energy demand of the area. Geothermal potential has also been evaluated, both at surface and at depth, and mapping of geothermal potential is under development. Economics and regulatory aspects have also been considered and described. VIGOR wants to be an example of a truly comprehensive geothermal assessment, to be followed in other regions, to answer energy demand and for the future benefit of society.