The geothermal predisposition of the Italian territory is known throughout the world. The country has a geothermal tradition spanning more than a century, even if it’s related to specific contexts. To fully exploit the geothermal resources, appropriate tools should be developed, valid, and coherent on a national scale. The current activity takes place in this context. The aim is the definition and optimization of a methodology for the implementation of low enthalpy geothermal zonation of the Italian territory, for geothermal applications which involve the use of closed loop probes combined with geothermal heat pumps.

After a brief examination of RSE’s previous activities in the geothermal sector, the research activity in 2023 continued with the collection of geological and thermal data and information available at national and regional level. Based on the data collected in 2022 and the information integrated in 2023, the methodology for the definition of the first low enthalpy geothermal maps was applied to a sample area, identified in the city of Naples and its province.

The choice of the area is linked both to the presence of geological data and previous analyses for the evaluation of the geothermal potential, but also, and above all, to demonstrate the enormous potential deriving by integrating low enthalpy technology in Italian sectors that are territorially complex from the point of demographic, geological, stratigraphic, and urbanistic view.

In the area, databases of wells and geological maps were analyzed to define the first maps of suitability for geo-exchange, considering the use of closed-loop geothermal probes. The maps allow us to identify suitable areas located in the Napoli province and, particularly, highlight the potential of the Somma-Vesuvio region and the pre-Apennine reliefs nearby. The final objective is to replicate this methodology in further Italian areas, to gradually map the low enthalpy geothermal potential of the Italian territory.

Finally, the main activities carried out in support of institutions in the geothermal sector are reported considering high, medium, and low enthalpy geothermal, as well as the possible development at a national level and in the context of international cooperation.

The Report is available on the Italian site