Energy Development Problematics in the Mediterranean. The Aeolian and Aegean Islands. the Geothermal Energy Case

Abstract

This paper aims at discussing the reasons why, despite a most favourable geothermal energy environment, the islands of the southern and southeastern Mediterranean stick to conventional energy processes and not to reclamation of alternative/renewable energy sources instead, indeed a delicate exercise. As a result the following headings are analysed : (i) geodynamic settings which address the Aeolian and Aegean volcanic islands arcs occurring at lithospheric plate subduction zones and, at a lesser extent though, selected nearby active rifting and graben structures, whose distinctive tectonic, magmatic and geohydrological attributes are known to host attractive hydrothermal reservoir environments, (ii) present resource/reservoir evaluation and development status related to previous geophysical/geochemical surveys, direct drilling/testing assessments and early pilot development projects, (iii) sensitive problem areas assumed to restrict the harnessing of proven geothermal resources in the light of the Mediterranean Insularity background and prevailing tourism oriented economics, and (iv) overcoming past errors and present/ future uncertainties by implementing relevant, challenging, geothermal energy development strategies securing feasible development and reconciling island communities, often skeptic, if not hostile with geothermal energy undertakings In so exercising the following priority development targets are suggested, accounting for specific insular conditions. (i) desalination from either stream condensates, high temperature flash or, preferably, low temperature evaporation cycles in order to meet island critical fresh water demands, (ii) direct uses encompassing cooling/ freezing, process heat, thermal/medicinal, space heating applications, and (iii) power generation, once a priority objective, rated first at domestic and, optionally, at foreign requirements.