Social acceptance of geothermal energy in Southern Italy.

Although Italy has any possible reason to be considered a geothermal country, there appears to be little knowledge or understanding of the potentials of this energy source and its implications for the general society. This paper presents the results of a cultural and social acceptability assessment of geothermal energy exploitation in southern Italy (Palermo, Sicily). This study had two primary objectives: (1) to explore the views and opinions of local communities regarding the potential and real exploitation of geothermal energy; and (2) to contribute to the growing scientific and social-scientific literature of the social acceptance of geothermal energy. To explore attitudes and public views towards geothermal energy technologies, we performed a case study using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. Our case study has two basic components: (1) Focus Group studies were conducted on four different groups of citizens and stakeholders from the selected area. (2) A survey was conducted on a sample of 400 citizens calibrated by gender, age, education, job condition, and residence. The results show that a public dialogue on geothermal energy exploitation should be based on and accompanied by a communication action strategy.