Larderello research: geothermal emissions have no negative climate impact

The colours of the Italian flag illuminating the cooling towers at the Larderello geothermal plant (source: Enel)

In a scientific workshop organized by Enel Green Power in Larderello, a study was presented that showed that the emissions from geothermal plants have no negative impact on the climate. More specifically, the greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) emitted by geothermal plants would still have been released to the atmosphere via natural degassing even if no geothermal power production were taking place.

The concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was central to this research done by Rina Consulting on the Italian geothermal plants. This is an update of a study that was developed at the request of EU entitled “Study on geothermal plants and applications emissions: overview and analysis (DOI: 10.2777/755565 (April 2020).”

A new project in Tuscany aims to go even further in reducing geothermal emissions by recovering the CO2 and making it available for other industrial uses.

“Geothermal energy is not just electricity, but all-round sustainability” said Enel Green Power Italia Geothermal Manager Luca Rossini. “For this reason, after two years of pre-feasibility studies, the authorization process for the capture and reuse of CO2 leaving the Piancastagnaio plants 4 and 5 will start in January.”

Source: Greenreport.it