Location: Monterotondo Marittimo, Italy
Primary Goals: Improving cooling efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing sustainability, and pioneering the use of geothermal energy in dairy production
Heating Capacity Required: 220 kW
Cooling Capacity Required: 106 kW
Geothermal Heat Capacity Supplied: 220 kW
Introduction
The San Martino Dairy Factory (SMF), of Formaggeria Tosana S.R.L., is located in Monterotondo Marittimo (Tuscany, Italy) and it already uses geothermal energy to cover its process heat demand (website: https://lapecoradimassimiliano.it/san-martino/). It will pioneer the testing and implementation of the GEOSYN solution in geothermal energy utilization for both heating and cooling within the dairy industry. This case study will integrate geothermal heat into its heating and cooling systems, to enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs. We aim to replace traditional vapor compression systems with a more efficient and renewable heat-powered cooling solution, establishing SMF as the first cheese and dairy factory worldwide to fully exploit geothermal energy.
Case Study Description
The geothermal energy used in the SMF dairy factory is sourced from the Nuova San Martino Enel GP Plant via a high-temperature pipeline network. This system supplies 135°C overheated vapor through a 350-meter pipeline to the dairy factory. The GEOSYN solution will be integrated into the plant to upgrade the geothermal fluid for heating and to exploit its thermal energy for cooling.
Although both outputs can be produced, the primary focus is on demonstrating the direct connection between the geothermal source and the GEOSYN system to achieve the targeted Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.
One of the key challenges in this project is the heat-to-cold conversion process. Unlike traditional vapor compression systems, which are widely used in the cooling industry, converting geothermal heat into cold must be achieved with high efficiency, minimal complexity, and a reliable design. The system should demonstrate superior performance while maintaining operational simplicity. There will be some equipment installation, modifications and upgrades including the installation of the GEOSYN complete technology to efficiently maximise efficient thermal energy extraction.
Key objectives for this case study will include;
- Achieving a temperature lift of 80K with a heat pump and a global Coefficient of Performance (COP) >2
- Savings of an estimated 45,000 kWh of electricity annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 12,000 kg per year
- Reducing cooling system operating costs by at least 50%
- Increase trust in geothermal technology within the agri-food industry by showcasing its efficiency and feasibility
Overall, this case study represents a groundbreaking step in sustainable food production, proving that geothermal energy can be harnessed not just for heating, but also for efficient cooling solution