The main renewable source present in Tuscany is geothermal energy, with the Region now aiming to double its use for energy production, in order to support the ecological transition.
The opportunity to start this process will arrive shortly: by June 30th Enel green power – the current manager of all the geothermal power plants in operation in the area – is called to propose an investment plan which could be worth a twenty-year renewal of the concessions minerals that underlie geothermal cultivation.
The news is that the Regional Council, with resolution 697 approved unanimously, has arrived at a decision regarding the conditions that must accompany Enel’s Industrial Plan so that it can be positively evaluated.
The decision came following an extensive process of discussion with the local authorities and economic subjects involved – namely geothermal municipalities, Riag, Ance, Cna, Confapi, Confcooperative, Confindustria, Cisl, CoSviG, Uiltec, Cgil -, whose requests are become attachments as an integral part of the resolution.
The text provides for stringent environmental conditions, for economic-territorial sustainability, for environmental restoration, for raising employment levels and of a transversal nature: in total there are 37 indications that Enel green power is called upon to respect.
A very broad spectrum of requests: for example, guarantee of interventions to build new power plants and to modernize existing ones through the best available technologies; strengthening of environmental safeguards (equip each power station with a dedicated Amis system, also with methane abatement systems; maximize the recovery of CO2; install a “hybrid exchange” section to reduce plumes in the cooling towers; adapt the stations emissions sampling, etc); creation of district heating in all 16 geothermal municipalities (currently there are 8) with a maximum heat transfer price of 0.5 euros per m3; a “price cap” on the electricity bills of users resident in Tuscany in the event of a sharp increase in energy prices as in 2022; enhance the cultural and tourist offer, for example by further enhancing geothermal museums and transforming a cooling tower into a representation of Dante’s circles; entrust at least 40% of contracts relating to geothermal power plants to local companies; a direct hiring plan by EGP; contributions on road investments in geothermal areas; a local service plan that includes contributions for nurseries, schools, ITS courses; a fund for a communication plan on geothermal energy; etc.
The actual industrial plan that EGP is called upon to present by the end of the month will then be evaluated by the inter-institutional working group also identified by the Council. If the package is evaluated positively, it will be possible to renew the geothermal concessions. Otherwise, the only other possible route would be to take the race route. A scenario that is currently remote, but always possible.
