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Empowering Energy Communities through Geothermal Systems

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Vittoria Battaglia & Francesca Ceglia & Davide Maria Laudiero & Alessandro Maione & Elisa Marrasso & Laura Vanoli, 2024. "Empowering Energy Communities through Geothermal Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1248-:d:1351869
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Figueira, João S. & García Gil, Alejandro & Vieira, Ana & Michopoulos, Apostolos K. & Boon, David P. & Loveridge, Fleur & Cecinato, Francesco & Götzl, Gregor & Epting, Jannis & Zosseder, Kai & Bloemen, 2024. "Shallow geothermal energy systems for district heating and cooling networks: Review and technological progression through case studies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    2. Nadjat Kouki & Diana D’Agostino & Andrea Vityi, 2025. "Properties of Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers (EAHE): Insights and Perspectives Based on System Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, April.

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