| Abstract |
The development of geothermal activities in Italy over a fiveyear period (1995-1999) is outlined in this paper. Geothermal resources in Italy are mainly used to produce electricity. The first industrial power plant dates back to 1913; since then geothermal installed capacity has increased, reaching 788.5 MW as of January 2000. Electricity generation peaked to an unprecedented maximum of 4.4 billion kWh in the year 1999. Several new power plants, totalling 280 MW, have been installed in the last five years and are now operating in the Larderello and Mount Amiata areas. Some of these units replaced older plants no longer in operation. The first commercial power plant outside Tuscany, exploiting the Latera water-dominated reservoir situated in Northern Latium and with an installed capacity of 40 MW, has recently been commissioned. Direct uses of geothermal resources have also increased, reaching a peak capacity of 325 MW, with an annual energy use of 3800 TJ. Over the last five years, 35 wells have been drilled, totalling 106,500 metres. Most of these new drillings have been of deep wells. Investment in geothermal research, development and utilisation exceeded US$ 700 million, most of which (well over 90%) is directed at electricity generation. |