| Title | Derisking Geothermal Projects Reusing Pre-existing Oil&Gas Subsurface Data: the Guardia Lombardi (Italy) Case Study |
|---|---|
| Authors | Davide Scrocca |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Geothermal energy, hydrocarbon exploration data, geothermal potential, derisking |
| Abstract | Geothermal energy is a key component of the green energy transition, offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels. However, its development is often constrained by the high economic costs and the mining risks connected to the exploration phase. Reusing pre-existing subsurface geological data offers a cost-effective solution to mitigate these limitations and, consequently, to promote the use of geothermal sources. In this contribution, we demonstrate how vintage oil and gas subsurface data (i.e., seismic reflection profiles and well data) could be used to reconstruct a 3D geological model of the Guardia Lombardi area (Campania Region, southern Italy) enabling a preliminary assessment of its geothermal potential. The related costs were also evaluated. Our results highlight the presence of a geothermal reservoir with 125 °C at a depth of 2300 m with an exploitation potential of about 70 kg/s. This resource could support both residential heating/cooling and electricity generation for the nearby town of Grottaminarda, providing an appreciable economic and environmental benefit. This case study illustrates how the strategic reuse of pre-existing subsurface geological data can considerably reduce costs and risks associated with geothermal resource exploration, accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies and contributing to CO₂ emissions reduction. |