Centrale di Valle Secolo is a 120 MW geothermal power plant located in Italy. It is the only geothermal plant of its size in the country and contributes to Italy's renewable energy portfolio. This facility ranks as the 1st largest geothermal plant in Italy. With a capacity of 120 MW, it represents 12.28% of the country's total geothermal capacity of 977 MW. Italy has 34 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 977 MW. As the largest geothermal plant, Centrale di Valle Secolo stands alone in its capacity. Geothermal energy is a significant renewable resource in Italy, providing about 1% of the total electricity generation. The country utilizes geothermal energy primarily in regions with volcanic activity, such as Tuscany. The plant is located near the town of Larderello, approximately 80 km southwest of Florence.
12 years old
Italy, Europe
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Italy- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Geothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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