Design of a geothermal plant to heat a waterpark swimming pool: Case Study of Tramutola (Basilicata, Italy)

Geothermal energy is the renewable characterized by the most secure base-load and low greenhouse gas emissions. It supplies both heat for direct use and energy for power production. In particular, it could give a significant contribution in the heat production, that accounts for more than half of the world final energy consumption, by considering also that three quarters of this heat demand is currently met by fossil fuels, thus causing a significant impact on climate and environment. The aim of this paper is to present a case study where the thermal potential of the geothermal resource is exploited. Specifically, a technical study, coupled with an appropriate economic analysis, is presented. This study is finalized to design a geothermal plant that can guarantee the heating of a swimming pool of the waterpark of Tramutola, in Basilicata region.