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Geothermal - Pisa in Tuscany

The geothermal area is concentrated in the extreme south of Pisa province, in the localities of Larderello, Montecerboli, Monteverdi Marittimo and Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, along the border with Grosseto province. Magmatic masses at relatively shallow depths continuously heat underground waters. The outflow of the heated waters is hindered by cap rocks. Waters circulating at high pressures and temperatures produce the characteristic boric fumaroles. The old villages perching on hilltops contrast with the modern buildings of the Larderello factory-town, with the cooling towers and the steam ducts winding like a long snake in the valley, whose name “Valle del Diavolo” (Devil’s Valley) is due to the harsh appearance of the landscape.

In 1827 Francesco De Larderel was the first to exploit the geothermal steam produced by the underground heat, though it was only in 1904 that the steam was used to operate a dynamo and generate electricity. Later on the National Electricity Board (ENEL) improved both the drilling techniques aimed at discovering new endogenous sources and the geothermoelectric equipment, which lead to an increased power output. The unique Geothermal Energy Museum at Larderello is certainly worth a visit.

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