Innovative applications of geothermal energy for direct uses: a pilot study case in Marche region (Italy)

A detailed investigation aimed to optimize the knowledge about the realization of low enthalpy geothermal plants, answering to the energy related challenges proposed by Horizon 2020 and trying to move toward a better integration between research and industry, is currently in progress in the Marche Region (Central Italy). The main goals of this project are: i) to improve the present-day knowledge about the heat transfer coming from two geothermal boreholes 100 m in depth and with a distance of 9 m from each other, in order to better understand the behaviour of a geothermal probes in a particular geological, hydrogeological and structural context; ii) to control the behaviour of two commercial grouts and to study the thermo-physical and mineralogical properties of new grouts performing laboratory tests and monitoring; iii) to test a new hybrid geothermal/micro-cogeneration system for the heating of the buildings. As part of the project, an experimental plant is in progress at the University of Camerino (Geology Division). An interdisciplinary research team as well as private companies and University spin off, are engaged for the project development.