Italian Agricultural Uses of Geothermal Energy

Abstract

Non electric uses of geothermal energy in Italy are mainly connected to the spa business, but a large share is also related, beside residential heating, to agricultural activities, including fish farming. The main ongoing applications in agribusiness are greenhouses heating, the most important facilities being in Amiata (Tuscany) and at Puntani (next to Rome) and fish farming at Orbetello (Tuscany coast) and in Apulia shore. A small but interesting integrated project, combining greenhouse and aquaculture heating is running in Rodigo (Lombardy). Concerning the immediate future, some greenhouses are being built or planned near new geothermal power stations in Northern Latium. Factors affecting the growth of geothermal use in Italian agriculture (as well as in other sectors) include the low price of energy, the mining risk, the technological hnow-how needed, bureaucratic hurdles, lack of information and insufficient support at the various Governmental levels, and, last but not least, the health status of the heat-assisted agriindustry as a whole.