GEOTHERMAL PROBES DECREE
Date
21-12-2022
Category
Product or service
Geothermal
LESS BUREAUCRACY AND SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR INSTALLING SMALL GEOTHERMAL PLANTS
Roberto Cingolani, the Draghi government’s Minister for Ecological Transition, signed the so-called Geothermal Probes Decree on 30 September, shortly before handing over the baton to the current Minister Fratin, marking a new important step towards a more sustainable future and economy.
What’s new?
In cases of free building activities and simplified enabling procedure (PAS), the process for installing a geothermal air-conditioning system becomes simpler and faster.
Let’s clarify!
To be considered free building construction, the systems must comply with these characteristics:
- closed-circuit geothermal probes must have a maximum depth of 2 metres if horizontal and 80 metres if vertical;
- the thermal power of the installation must be less than 50 kW;
- the installation must take place in existing buildings, without involving structural changes of any kind.
In the Simplified Permit Procedure (PAS), on the other hand, installations must comply with these rules
- closed-circuit geothermal probes must have a maximum depth of 3 metres if horizontal or 170 metres if vertical;
- the thermal power of the plant must be less than 100 kW.
In both cases, the Regions and Autonomous Provinces will be responsible for telematically registering the interventions on their territory and will establish the modalities for verifying that the data entered correspond to the installations realised.
Technical Pills
For plants with closed-circuit geothermal probes and thermal power between 50 kW and 100 kW, the design can take place with the Thermal Response Test (TRT), which measures the thermal parameters of the subsoil, or with a survey campaign.
For those with a thermal power below 50 kW, studies already carried out previously may also be used as an alternative, if any.
Lastly, the Decree places great emphasis on respect for the environment and specifies that:
- the vector fluid circulating in the probes must be environmentally friendly. The choice of drinking water is optimal, possibly with the addition of non-toxic and biodegradable antifreeze. All types of anti-corrosion additives are prohibited;
- underground pipes and valves must be corrosion-resistant;
- the installation process must not damage the ground and must avoid polluting the subsoil and water, taking the utmost care to ensure that there is no dispersion of polluting or harmful liquids;
- the aquifers must not have hydraulic contact with each other.
All clear?From today installing a geothermal system in your home is simpler and faster!If you want to know more, contact us, we will be happy to help you!
