Geothermal Exploration on Pantelleria Island (Sicily Channel): First Results

Abstract

Geothermal studies on Pantelleria, a volcanic island located in the median part of the continental rift system between Sicily and Tunisia date back to the beginning of the sixties. A new geothermal exploration program involving geological, volcano logical, geophysical, hydrogeological and geochemical studies, promoted by the Sicily Mining Board and sponsored by the European Community was launched by CESES in 1940.

The results of the program revealed a very promising zone in the southern part of the island where the main geothermal manifestations are present. Temperature data from exploratory shallow wells and geochemical observations suggested a water dominated geothermal reservoir with temperatures around 250oC at depths of less than 1.5km. An exploratory well drilled in January 1993 to a depth of 1103 m revealed trachytic lavas alternating with ignimbrites followed by peralkaline microsyenites. Temperature measurements in the well and geochemical data indicated the presence of possible productive zones and subsequent well stimulation led to the production of a two phase fluid. Further investigations are planned to evaluate the geothermal potential of the field and to optimize its exploitation.