| Title | Preliminary Assessment of the Geothermal Potential of the Vulcano Island (Archipelago Aeolian, southern Italy) |
|---|---|
| Authors | Roberta Maffucci |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Geothermal potential assessment, volcanic island, geophysical surveys, geological and fluid-dynamic modelling |
| Abstract | Islands offer ideal conditions for the development of local green energy, enhancing both energy independence and resilience. Due to their geographical isolation and dependence on imported fossil fuels, autonomous renewable energy systems present a strategic solution to minimize environmental impact and bolster local energy security. The transition to renewable energy is particularly significant for islands, whose ecosystems are often fragile and vulnerable to traditional energy use. Among the available renewable resources, geothermal energy represents a promising opportunity. In this context, the Italian project IRGIE (Inventory of Geothermal Resources of the Aeolian Islands, 2023–2026), led by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), aims to investigate the geothermal potential of the Aeolian Islands (southern Italy), to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Initial studies have focused on Vulcano island, where previous investigations identified a shallow geothermal system (100–600 m depth) in the northern sector of the island, with temperatures up to 200 °C. To evaluate the feasibility of geothermal exploitation in this island, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted, combining 3D geological, geophysical and fluid-dynamic modelling. Results of new geophysical surveys, including magnetotellurics (MT) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), were elaborated to define the geometry and extent of the geothermal reservoir. A 3D numerical simulation was then carried out to reconstruct the temperature distribution within the system. Finally, a 3D subsurface geological model was built by integrating geological and geophysical data and providing the geometrical parameters necessary to estimate the heat in place of the identified geothermal reservoir. |