Presentation on 'A science based tool for the sistematic integration of geothermal resources into regional energy planning' by Paolo Fulignati, University of Pisa, Italy, at 2014 UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference. Preparing for World Water Day 2014: Partnerships for improving water and energy access, efficiency and sustainability. 13-16 January 2014.

1. A science based tool for the sistematic
integration of geothermal resources
into regional energy planning

2. A science based tool for the sistematic integration of
geothermal resources into regional energy planning
Sbrana, A., Fulignati, P.
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra Università di Pisa, Via S. Maria
53 56126 Pisa ITALY

3. Objectives:
assessment of geothermal potential of Umbria
Region, and sustainability of the possible geothermal exploitation
either for power production and for direct uses.
Scope: promote and direct initiatives of possible industrial and
private/public players interested in the utilization of geothermal
resources in Umbria.

4. Why
The presently available technologies provide commercially viable solutions for
the exploitation (production of heat and cold) of low and very low (geothermal
heat pumps) enthalpy geothermal resources, which are practically ubiquitous
in the Earth’s subsurface.
They also allow the highly competitive and environmentally safe utilization of
the more localized medium and high enthalpy geothermal resources linked to
thermal anomalies (caused by magmatic activity and tectonic processes) for
power production.

5. We would like to underline that the modern energy conversion technologies
(binary cycle power plants) are able to produce electricity starting from fluids
at a temperature as low as ~100°C with zero emission in the environment and
total reinjection of the exhausted fluids. This allows preventing any
consumption of water for power production.

6. This is an example for governments, regional or local
administrations, and the private sector wishing to
integrate geothermal energy into their energy budget
and can give very positive responses, as regard the
economy and environmental protection, to the energy
needs of many communities, as an alternative to the
non-renewable energy sources

7. Approach
Exploration
and
evaluation
of
geothermal resources in Umbria
region, using the state of the art
advanced technologies (in particular
numerical simulation modelling)
Available data: geology, deep wells,
geophysics (seismic lines, heat flux and
gravimetry), geochemistry

8. Results
-Isobaths of the top of carbonates
(potential geothermal reservoir)
-Isotherms at the top and bottom
of carbonates from numerical
modeling experiment results

10. Umbria geothermal zoning (4
main classes) and expected
temperatures
in
the
carbonatic
geothermal
reservoirs at depth shallower
than 3000m.

11. Theoretic geothermal potential in the first 5 most promising
areas of Umbria region

12. Conclusions
This work gives the Umbria Local Administration an important sound sciencebased tool to help decision-makers and the private sector to:
i)
ii)
respond to the increasing energy needs
develop integrated planning as concern the use and allocation of water
resources
iii) improve sustainable economic development through the utilization of this
renewable clean energy resource
iv) increase the involvement of the private sector in developing green
economy approaches and technologies, either for power production and
for direct uses of the natural heat.