Thermal Uses of Geothermal Energy, Country Update for Italy

Abstract

This paper presents an overview on the development of thermal applications of geothermal energy in Italy since the last WGC2015. The Italian situation is described till the end of 2017, being this the most recent year for which data are available at the writing date of this report. The total installed capacity amounts to 1424 MWt, with a corresponding heat energy use of about 10915 TJ/yr. The main share is held by the space heating sector (42% of the total energy, 52% of the overall installed capacity), followed by thermal balneology (32% in both values) and fish farming (18% and 9% namely). Agricultural applications, industrial processes and other minor uses together account for around 8% of the total geo-heat use. Additionally, the paper presents a brief overview on the national geothermal potential, the current regulatory framework, and the main international research activities with Italian participation. The data show an overall stagnant situation for direct uses in Italy with respect to what described in WGC2015. The main drawbacks of the slow increase of geothermal thermal applications, to be overcome to ensure a new development phase for the geothermal energy in Italy, are presented and discussed.