Italy is a global leader in geothermal power, ranking 7th globally in installed capacity and producing over 6 billion kWh annually.1 However, the country’s further expansion of this renewable energy source faces complex social and regulatory challenges. An interdisciplinary initiative led by researchers in northern Italy aims to better understand public perceptions of geothermal development and identify pathways to enhance its social acceptability.
Societal Perceptions
Acceptance and Attitudes
Initial findings from the “Friser” project reveal a mixed public sentiment towards geothermal energy in Italy. While some communities express cautious openness to geothermal projects, others harbour significant skepticism and opposition. This divergence in attitudes is often driven by local contextual factors, such as past experiences with extractive industries or concerns over environmental impacts.
“We found that the degree of trust in project developers and regulatory bodies was a key determinant of whether a community would support a geothermal plant in their area,” explains Friser lead researcher Alice Friser. “Positive past experiences, transparent communication, and a genuine commitment to address community concerns were essential for building social acceptability.”
Socio-cultural Factors
The team’s qualitative research highlights the importance of considering Italy’s unique cultural and historical relationship with the land when assessing geothermal’s social feasibility. In some regions, the underground resource is seen as a sacred part of the local territory, leading to strong resistance against its commercial exploitation.
“Geothermal energy taps into deep-seated notions of ‘the commons’ and local stewardship that are core to many Italian communities,” notes Friser. “Project developers need to work closely with these communities to understand their worldviews and find mutually acceptable ways forward.”
Public Awareness
The Friser study also reveals gaps in public understanding of geothermal technology and its environmental impacts. Many citizens remain uncertain about the differences between geothermal and other subsurface activities like oil and gas extraction. This lack of awareness can fuel unwarranted fears and misconceptions, further complicating social acceptance.
“Improving public education and engagement is essential,” Friser argues. “We need to demystify geothermal and clearly communicate its unique characteristics, benefits, and safeguards to local stakeholders.”
Regulatory Framework
Energy Policies
Italy’s energy transition is guided by the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which sets ambitious goals for renewable energy deployment, including a target of 55% renewable electricity by 2030.2 However, the plan’s provisions for geothermal development remain vague, leaving significant uncertainty for project developers.
“The PNIEC acknowledges geothermal’s potential, but it lacks clear policy signals and support mechanisms to drive large-scale adoption,” says Friser. “Stronger, more targeted policies are needed to unlock Italy’s geothermal resources in a socially responsible manner.”
Permitting and Legislation
Italy’s regulatory landscape for geothermal projects is also fragmented, with permitting processes varying widely across different regions. This patchwork of local regulations creates administrative hurdles and delays that undermine investor confidence.
“We need harmonized national-level legislation that streamlines permitting, clarifies environmental requirements, and provides regulatory certainty for geothermal developers,” Friser recommends. “This would help address a key barrier to wider deployment.”
Incentives and Subsidies
The availability of financial incentives and subsidies has been a persistent challenge for Italy’s geothermal sector. While the country offers feed-in tariffs and tax credits for renewable energy, these mechanisms have historically favoured other technologies over geothermal.
“Geothermal often gets overlooked in Italy’s clean energy support schemes,” Friser observes. “Adjusting these policies to better reflect geothermal’s unique characteristics and benefits could catalyse new investment and drive greater adoption.”
Environmental Impacts
Sustainability Considerations
Italy’s geothermal resources are generally regarded as sustainable, with the country’s plants operating at high capacity factors and displaying minimal environmental degradation. However, concerns persist around the long-term viability of certain geothermal reservoirs, particularly in areas with high seismic activity.
“Careful resource management and monitoring are essential to ensure the sustainability of Italy’s geothermal assets,” Friser emphasizes. “Collaborating with local communities to develop comprehensive stewardship plans can help address these concerns.”
Emissions and Emissions Reduction
While geothermal power is a low-emission renewable energy, some of Italy’s older plants do release non-condensable gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. Recent technological advancements, however, have enabled significant emissions reductions through improved abatement systems and binary cycle technologies.
“The new generation of geothermal plants in Italy are near-zero emission facilities,” Friser notes. “This significantly improves their environmental profile and reduces a key source of public concern.”
Landscape and Ecosystem Impacts
Italy’s geothermal fields are often located in sensitive natural areas, raising fears about potential landscape degradation and harm to local ecosystems. The Friser team’s research indicates that proactive measures, such as visual impact assessments and biodiversity conservation plans, can help mitigate these concerns.
“Geothermal development doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment,” Friser asserts. “With careful siting, design, and operational practices, geothermal can be seamlessly integrated into Italy’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.”
Technological Advancements
Emerging Geothermal Technologies
Italy’s geothermal sector is pioneering the use of innovative technologies to enhance the country’s resource utilization and environmental performance. These include enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which use hydraulic stimulation to access deeper, hotter reservoirs, as well as supercritical geothermal plants that operate at higher temperatures and pressures for greater efficiency.
“The technological frontier of geothermal is rapidly evolving, and Italy is at the forefront of many of these developments,” Friser observes. “As these innovations mature, they will unlock significant new geothermal potential while addressing key social and environmental concerns.”
Innovation and Research
Italy’s robust geothermal research ecosystem, anchored by universities and specialized institutes, plays a critical role in driving technological progress. Collaborative initiatives, such as the Friser project, integrate diverse disciplinary perspectives to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the sector.
“Interdisciplinary cooperation is key to unlocking geothermal’s full societal benefits,” Friser emphasizes. “By bringing together experts from earth sciences, engineering, social sciences, and beyond, we can develop holistic solutions that address the complex realities on the ground.”
Efficiency Improvements
Ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of Italy’s geothermal power plants, through upgrades and retrofits, have also contributed to improving the sector’s environmental performance. These measures, combined with the deployment of advanced emissions control technologies, have significantly reduced the industry’s carbon footprint.
“Italy’s geothermal operators are continuously working to optimise their plants and minimise their environmental impacts,” Friser states. “This proactive approach, combined with technological innovation, is critical for building public trust and acceptance.”
The Friser initiative’s findings underscore the multifaceted nature of social acceptability for geothermal energy in Italy. As the country works to expand this renewable resource, project developers, policymakers, and researchers must collaborate to address community concerns, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and leverage technological advancements. By taking a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, Italy can unlock geothermal’s vast potential while ensuring it is embraced by local stakeholders and the broader public. To learn more, visit European Future Energy Forum.