Geothermal Potential of Marche Region

The awareness of the global community about problem of unsustainability and high environmental impact (for example CO2 emissions) in the use of non-renewable energy resources (e.g., oil, coal) has led to recent global challenges concerning renewable resources. Geothermal energy is one of the most promising future resources, due to its low environmental impact and its excellent sustainability. For example, current total geothermoelectric energy and energy of all the direct uses and heat pumps! produced in the world can save about 226 million barrels of oil per year and avoid the emission of tens of millions of tons of CO2 in the atrnosphere''. In particular, central-southern Italy, for its geological features, is full of interesting regions, such as the area of Colli Albani and volcanic lakes in Lazio, Campi Flegrei in Campania, or the thermal source of Acquasanta Terme in the Marche region. Current research involves an evaluation of the geothermal potential of Marche region, through the identification of structures that can transport deep, higher temperature fluids to the near-surface environment. We are currently studying 3 areas where geologic structures (mainly fault/fracture zones) allow transport of high temperature fluids to near-surface environments. Of major interest are areas near Acquasanta Terrne", Fermo and Ancona. Initial studies involve available seismic lines and well stratigraphy", temperature measurements concerning depth, water circulation patterns (mainly flux measurements), and estimations of degrees of mixing between deeper, hotter waters and more shallow aquifers. After this first evaluation, we will focus our attention on one or two of these areas, starting studying stable isotopes and trace elements in the circulating waters, fluid inclusions, porosity and permeability of the reservoir, fracture analysis and hydrogeology. We expect to find fluids at intermediate temperatures (medium enthalpy), whose exploitation could be extremely important for the creation of district-heating plants which will increase life conditions of towns in that areas.