EU Promoter project visits Larderello geothermal hub
Geothermal plant at Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina, Tuscany/ Italy (Gabriele Delhey, commons/ wikimedia)
Alexander Richter
9 Jun 2025
Participants from 10 European countries visited Italy’s historic Larderello geothermal region to explore best practices in renewable energy and mobility.
As part of the Interreg Europe-funded Promoter project, over 50 participants from 10 European countries gathered in Tuscany from June 4–6, 2025, to study the integration of sustainable transport and renewable energy. A central highlight was the visit to the Larderello geothermal area, widely recognized as the cradle of geothermal electricity generation.
The visit was hosted by the Province of Livorno and Enel Green Power, which operates the geothermal plants in the region. Participants from Portugal, Finland, Latvia, Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, North Macedonia, and Italy explored key geothermal installations across Pomarance, Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, and Monterotondo Marittimo.
Exploring Italy’s geothermal heartland
The study tour included technical briefings by Enel Green Power’s geothermal team, site visits to the Valle Secolo geothermal power plant ((Continental) Europe’s largest at 120 MW), and a walk through the Geothermal Museum in Larderello. Attendees experienced the dramatic geothermal landscape firsthand, including natural steam manifestations and the “urlo della Terra” (Earth’s roar) from a demonstrative well.
Beyond power generation, the group explored direct-use applications of geothermal heat, such as:
- District heating systems for nearly 10,000 residents in 9 municipalities
- Geothermal-powered agribusiness, including the Vapori di Birra brewery and Podere Paterno cheese farm
- Sustainable drying of biomass, showcasing circular economy principles
A platform for knowledge exchange
The Promoter initiative aims to foster interregional cooperation on climate-related policies. The visit to Tuscany served as a hands-on platform for exchanging good practices in renewable energy integration, mobility planning, and energy communities.
Discussions also covered the development of renewable energy communities, electric mobility infrastructure, and information systems like BonTime, which supports sustainable transport planning.
Legacy of geothermal innovation
Tuscany’s geothermal fields, operated by Enel Green Power, include 34 geothermal power plants with 37 production units. These generate nearly 6 TWh annually, meeting over 30% of the region’s electricity needs and accounting for 70% of renewable energy in Tuscany. The area also attracts 60,000 visitors per year, underlining its role in energy education and tourism.
Geothermal power in Tuscany dates back to 1904, when Prince Ginori Conti first lit five lightbulbs using geothermal steam. The region’s legacy continues to inspire innovation, positioning it as a model for sustainable energy and regional development.
A final workshop on June 10 will review lessons learned and support the implementation of over 20 best practices gathered across previous study visits, including those in Portugal, Romania, and the Baltics.
Source: Enel/ press release
