Geothermal Space and Agribusiness Heating in Italy

Abstract

Non-electric uses of geothermal energy in Italy are mainly associated with the spa business, but a large share is also related to agricultural utilisation (greenhouses and fish farming) followed by space heating, including district heating (DH). The main existing applications in space heating are in the Abano area, Ferrara and Vicenza (in Northern Italy) and Larderello area (Tuscany). The most important agribusiness facilities include greenhouses at Amiata and Pantani (in central Italy) as well as the fish farms of Orbetello (Tuscany) and of Brindisi and Sannicandro (Apulia). Concerning the near future, there is interest in geothermal district heating in Grado (on the North Adriatic coast) and in some Tuscany towns, and in greenhouse heating at Castelgiorgio (Umbria) near the Alfina geothermal field. In the longer term, moves to achieve the Kyoto environmental targets should favour the expansion of geothermal heat use in Italy.