INnovation in the assessment of the potential of GEOthermal resources and reserves for the decarbonization of the electricity and heating sectors
The evolution of geothermal energy. For decades, geothermal energy has used hot water present in aquifers between 0 and 4 km deep.
Recent advances are overcoming the geographical limitations of large-scale geothermal plants.
These studies demonstrate the feasibility of producing energy through deep closed-loop heat exchangers (DCHEs).
The ingeo project focuses on developing a method to accurately measure the energy potential of deep geothermal sources.
It is crucial to assess how much energy can be extracted from layers as deep as 10 km at the regional level (Emilia-Romagna) to generate electricity or district heating.
We intend to present an innovative approach to deep-subsurface exploration, integrating geophysical data to assess underlying conditions. This involves reconstructing crustal and subcrustal structures through joint analysis and interpretation of available and acquired geological and geophysical data. These data include those from rock mechanical and thermal experiments, seismic and gravitational anomalies.
The study area encompasses the Romagna-Ferrara Fold System (RFF), a buried geological structure extending along the Northern Apennines.
Geothermal studies conducted in the RFF area have revealed significant thermal and geological features indicating the potential for geothermal resource development.