A science based tool for the sistematic integration of geothermal resources into regional energy planning

A science based tool for the sistematic integration of geothermal resources into regional energy planning

Sbrana, A., Fulignati, P.

Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra Università di Pisa, Via S. Maria 53 56126 Pisa ITALY

Objectives: assessment of geothermal potential of Umbria Region, and sustainability of the possible geothermal exploitation either for power production and for direct uses.

Scope: promote and direct initiatives of possible industrial and private/public players interested in the utilization of geothermal resources in Umbria.

Why

The presently available technologies provide commercially viable solutions for the exploitation (production of heat and cold) of low and very low (geothermal heat pumps) enthalpy geothermal resources, which are practically ubiquitous in the Earth’s subsurface.

They also allow the highly competitive and environmentally safe utilization of the more localized medium and high enthalpy geothermal resources linked to thermal anomalies (caused by magmatic activity and tectonic processes) for power production.

We would like to underline that the modern energy conversion technologies (binary cycle power plants) are able to produce electricity starting from fluids at a temperature as low as ~100°C with zero emission in the environment and total reinjection of the exhausted fluids. This allows preventing any consumption of water for power production.

This is an example for governments, regional or local administrations, and the private sector wishing to integrate geothermal energy into their energy budget and can give very positive responses, as regard the economy and environmental protection, to the energy needs of many communities, as an alternative to the non-renewable energy sources

Approach

Exploration and evaluation of geothermal resources in Umbria region, using the state of the art advanced technologies (in particular numerical simulation modelling)

Available data: geology, deep wells, geophysics (seismic lines, heat flux and gravimetry), geochemistry

Results

-Isobaths of the top of carbonates (potential geothermal reservoir)

-Isotherms at the top and bottom of carbonates from numerical modeling experiment results

Umbria geothermal zoning (4 main classes) and expected temperatures in the carbonatic geothermal reservoirs at depth shallower than 3000m.

Theoretic geothermal potential in the first 5 most promising areas of Umbria region

Conclusions

This work gives the Umbria Local Administration an important sound science-

based tool to help decision-makers and the private sector to:

i) respond to the increasing energy needs

ii) develop integrated planning as concern the use and allocation of water

resources

iii) improve sustainable economic development through the utilization of this

renewable clean energy resource

iv) increase the involvement of the private sector in developing green

economy approaches and technologies, either for power production and

for direct uses of the natural heat.