Pantelleria emerges as Sicily’s geothermal hotspot
Gadir, Isola di Pantelleria, Sicily/ Italy (source: flickr/ Odd Wellies, public domain)
Alexander Richter
11 Apr 2025
The island of Pantelleria may become a leader in geothermal development in Sicily, highlighting new opportunities for sustainable energy and local growth.
The Italian island of Pantelleria is emerging as a key location for the development of geothermal energy in Sicily, with experts pointing to its unique geological conditions as ideal for low-impact and sustainable energy production.
Located between Sicily and Tunisia, the island is of volcanic origin and has long been recognized for its geothermal activity. A recent initiative led by the University of Catania, in collaboration with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), is exploring the possibility of harnessing this potential to support local decarbonization and energy independence.
“Pantelleria offers a rare opportunity to develop geothermal energy with minimal environmental impact, and in a way that benefits both the island and the broader Sicilian region,” said Prof. Flavio Cannata, geophysicist at the University of Catania.
With support from the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and regional authorities, the project aims to create a model of small-scale geothermal energy production that can be replicated in other parts of Sicily and beyond.
Pantelleria’s geothermal system is considered ideal for a “binary cycle” plant, which does not release emissions into the atmosphere and has a low surface footprint—making it especially suitable for areas with natural and cultural value.
The ongoing research includes geophysical surveys, well monitoring, and environmental assessments to better understand the island’s geothermal reservoir. The results are promising and point toward a sustainable, long-term resource capable of supplying clean, baseload energy to the local grid.
Why Pantelleria matters for geothermal in Italy
Italy has long been a leader in geothermal energy, with the Larderello region in Tuscany being the world’s first site of geothermal electricity production. However, there is now growing interest in expanding geothermal development across southern Italy and the islands, where volcanic activity presents significant untapped potential.
Pantelleria may become the “southern front” of Italy’s geothermal renaissance—contributing to decarbonization goals, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and offering a resilient solution to energy supply in island environments.
For the geothermal sector
Pantelleria is a prime example of how academic institutions, public agencies, and local communities can collaborate to unlock geothermal potential in a responsible and innovative way. The island’s initiative sets a precedent for sustainable energy development in sensitive regions, opening doors for future investments and public-private partnerships across the Mediterranean.
We previously reported on efforts to explore the geothermal potential of Sicily.
Source: UniCT Magazine
