Geothermal power is an important asset that, though not yet entirely
exploited, can be included in an efficient mix of resources for sustainable
development. This renewable energy comes from the heat contained in the deepest
layers of the Earth’s crust.
Geothermal power is deployed by conveying the vapours coming from
underground water springs into turbines that will transform them into
electricity. The water vapour will then be reutilized for heating, growing
vegetables in greenhouses and thermal spas.
To date, 130 plants worldwide use surfacing water vapour to generate energy:
Iceland is at the forefront, in the exploitation of the geothermal
resource.
Italy was the very first country to use this asset for industrial purposes
since the beginning of the 20th century, considering that the world’s first
geothermal power plant was built in Lardarello, Tuscany in 1913. Tuscany’s
geothermal production provides 5 billion KWh per year, which can meet the needs
of 2 million Italian households. The overall result is that 1,1 million metric
tons of oil and 3.8 metric tons of CO2 are avoided.
The goal is clearly to exceed the boundaries of Tuscany, in order to develop
and increase geothermal production. Today Enel is undoubtedly the world
leader, thanks to the increasing skills it has acquired over the years.
