Italy simplifies geothermal energy permitting

Geothermal energy, which uses the earth's inner heat for heating and also turns it into electricity by using special power plants, accounts for 10 percent of all renewable energy sources in Italy and its potential may be doubled, it said in a statement.

Italy's geothermal plants produce 5 billion kilowatt hours of power a year which is enough to meet needs of about 6 million people, the ministry said.

The ministry did not give details on a new decree to simplify geothermal projects' authorization. Italy is notorious for lengthy permitting procedures for industrial projects.