| Abstract |
Direct uses of geothermal energy in Italy have remained almost stable over the last five years. New developments include Pomarance district heating and refurbishing of the Floramiata greenhouse plant (Tuscany), as well as some activities in the GHP sector in northern Italy. Considering fluids above 30?C, the prevailing use is related to health spa and well-being treatments (almost 2,700 TJ/yr), followed by civil heating, including spa hotels and resorts, (around 1,700 TJ/yr), and greenhouse uses (about 1,100 TJ/yr). The total, including minor industrial applications and two small fish raising plants, amount to over 5,600 TJ/yr. As concerns geothermal energy below 30?, very large volumes of low-temperature water are used in fish farming, for a heat amount of over 1,400 TJ/yr, while heat pumps are still a minor, but growing development. In total, over 7,000 TJ/yr of terrestrial heat produced and utilized for non-electrical generation purposes. |