Geo.Power project: SWOT analysis and transferability assessment of Ground-Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) systems into the Province of Ferrara (Italy)

Determined to fight against climate change, the EU is committed to reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels) mainly by improving the use of renewable energy and curbing energy consumption. Geothermal energy is one of the most environmentalfriendly and cost-effective energy resources in use. The exploitation of geothermal energy, especially low-enthalpy power generation utilizing Ground- Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) systems, is rapidly becoming an attractive and viable solution. In this context, the Geo.Power project (“Geothermal energy to address energy performance strategies in residential and industrial buildings”) has been developed by grouping together Ministries, Regions, Local Authorities, and Universities of nine EU countries, coordinated by the Province of Ferrara, lead partner of the project.