Géothermie profonde, quels impacts sanitaires?

This article presents the experience, developed in Italy over many years, in assessing the health effects of the exploitation of deep geothermal energy in Tuscany. This energy has been used for two centuries. Currently 36 geothermal power plants are in operation, covering more than 35% of Tuscany’s electricity needs. A public measurement network (e.g., H2S, ozone, NO2, PM10) and air quality monitoring has been set up around the geothermal power plants, with systems designed to reduce their impact. Epidemiological studies on both the overall health of the population living in the geothermal area (mortality related to cancers, cardiovascular, hepatic and pulmonary diseases) and the effects of hydrogen sulphide are ongoing. The social acceptability of deep geothermal energy has also been addressed.