GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
The distribution of geothermal energy on Earth, and more generally of the geological systems from which it can be extracted (geothermal resource), is closely linked to the planet’s geological structure.
The areas of highest geothermal activity and therefore with high terrestrial heat flow, are mainly concentrated along the tectonic plate boundaries.
Location of geothermal resources and their relationship with plate boundary types
Geothermal resources are classified according to their thermal content and therefore their temperature, and are divided into low, medium and high temperature resources. Generally in Italy, the classification follows these values:
The heat from a geothermal resource can be used directly and/or indirectly, depending on its temperature.
Direct uses can include heating buildings, greenhouses and swimming pools, district heating, fish farming, milk pasteurization, malt fermentation in brewing, and many other industrial processes. These applications directly use hot water or steam extracted from underground.
While indirect uses primarily involve electricity generation.