| Abstract |
Small islands face significant energy challenges due to geographic isolation and lack of infrastructure. This is especially relevant for volcanic islands such as the Aeolian Archipelago (Italy), an active volcanic arc consisting of seven islands and several seamounts in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Currently, these islands are not connected to the mainland electrical grid, and the power is primarily generated by small diesel plants. As a result, the archipelago’s sustainability index remains below 30%, underlining the urgent need to harness renewable energy sources. The IRGIE project (Inventory of Geothermal Resources of the Aeolian Islands, 2023–2026), led by INGV and funded by the Regione Siciliana-Dipartimento Energia, aims to identify, characterise, and assess geothermal resources across the islands through a multidisciplinary approach. The project focuses on the systematic acquisition of geochemical and geophysical data to characterise geothermal systems across the islands. Extensive surveys have been carried out, including the collection and analysis of thermal springs, wells, fumaroles, and submarine gas emissions. At the same time, magnetotelluric surveys and electrical resistivity tomography have been done to find possible geothermal reservoirs. The integration of geochemical and geophysical datasets is supporting the construction of conceptual geothermal models and reservoir geometry. Another key component of IRGIE is its outreach program, which includes the creation of tailored dissemination tools to promote knowledge and awareness of geothermal energy, as well as social analysis conducted through surveys and focus groups with citizens and selected stakeholders. Preliminary results suggest that the Aeolian model could be replicated in similar island contexts. |