Empowering Energy Communities through Geothermal Systems

Vittoria Battaglia, Francesca Ceglia, Davide Maria Laudiero (), Alessandro Maione, Elisa Marrasso and Laura Vanoli
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Vittoria Battaglia: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy
Francesca Ceglia: Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Davide Maria Laudiero: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy
Alessandro Maione: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy
Elisa Marrasso: Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Laura Vanoli: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-23

Abstract: The Renewable Energy Directive II introduces renewable energy communities, enhancing energy sharing. However, many existing initiatives, focussing only on electricity, overlook the substantial energy demand in building sector comprising residential and commercial spaces. Energy communities in this sector can leverage district heating and cooling technology for thermal energy sharing, contributing to carbon neutrality by enhancing efficiency and reducing primary energy usage. Advanced strategies such as integrating renewables into heating and cooling grids, sector coupling, and utilising waste heat are key in moving away from fossil fuels. The Campania Region (Italy), abundant in geothermal energy potential, chose a district in which to implement the GeoGRID system. This innovative setup combines a four-pipe district heating and cooling network with an Organic Rankine Cycle plant, tapping into geothermal energy from the Solfatara area. The geothermal fluid’s heat feeds the ORC evaporator and then powers the thermal network, allowing direct heating and domestic hot water supply during winter. A thorough techno-economic analysis assessed the energy potential extractable from the geothermal fluid. Crucial aspects of this study are the evaluation of the energy and environmental efficiency of the system within the renewable energy community framework. Additionally, the paper introduces a methodology applicable for assessing geothermal energy communities on a global scale.

Keywords: geothermal energy; energy community; district heating and cooling network; energy analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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