Mapping of the shallow geothermal resource and potential direct uses for the northern province of Rome (Central Italy). The Fuzzy Logic a useful analysis tool.

Abstract

The continuous increase in oil price and the need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions are moving the attention to the use of the renewable such as geothermal energy. In Italy, despite the considerable geothermal know how and geothermal potential of the territory, many resources are yet untapped, especially for the direct uses. In this framework, the aim of the study is twofold: 1) mapping the shallow geothermal resource (<1000 meters of depth) in the northern province of Rome; 2) to evaluate the potential direct uses of the identified geothermal resource. The fuzzy logic joined to a dedicated geographical information system has been a precious tool for the intended purposes. The obtained results show that the greatest resource availability is located along the Tyrrhenian coast of the northern province of Rome, where the shallow hot fluids could be used in the agriculture, greenhouses and space heating. Moreover, Spas and teleheating could be developed in Sasso and Bagnarello, and in residential areas such as Civitavecchia, S.Marinella and Ladispoli, respectively. These results can represent a first step to renew the interest on shallow geothermics, offering a first support in the decision-making processes.