Geothermal power plants with improved environmental performance: assessment of the potential for an Italian site

Geothermal energy is a clean resource, which could significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse and other gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels for power generation. In many geothermal sites, resource contains substantial Non-Condensable Gases (NCGs: CO2 contaminants), whose can be limited developing plant schemes suitable complete reinjection. Organic Rankine or closed-loop cycles are definitely favored in this light. This work investigates solution NCG reinjection liquid-dominated reservoir conditions typical Monte Amiata area (Italy), referring specific site Torre Alfina (IT) presents attractiveness because its high pressurization. The considered avoids flashing thus an appealing environmental performance. models include exergy balances, as well exergo-environmental analysis. overall performance evaluated simplified (preliminary) Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Different solutions compared, considering possibility sub- super-critical cycles.