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The “Energies of theTerritory” Museum was created to answer the need to increase public awareness of renewable energy sources, mindful of the priorities of respecting the environment and of making well-informed, sustainable use of energy.
The museum sets out to help visitors appreciate this territory in light of its specific environmental characteristics. That is why guided visits are not limited to the museum alone, but also reach out to the discovery of the environment and its energy sources, such as the Pianacce Power Plant.
Through educational panels and practical reconstructions, the museum makes clear how it is possible to transform a natural phenomenon into energy, be it mechanical or electric, and further how to measure it and explain its applications. Space within the museum has been set up as a laboratory, and the theme of renewable energy is presented through a series of working models activated by the visitors themselves, who, through direct interaction, deepen their understanding of the phenomena involved. The primary purpose is to sensitize younger generations to the question of sustainable development and to the proper use of resources.
Particular attention is paid to geothermal energy, a true treasure of the territory around Radicondoli, utilized either directly (for greenhouses and domestic heating) or in the production of electric energy, guaranteeing sufficient quantities to meet the requirements of 50,000 families.
The practical application of geothermal energy is illustrated by a brief documentary, by explanatory panels, and by equipment used in research and utilization of hot fluids present underground, the stratigraphy of which is reconstructed through a series of rocks that go as deep as 4,000 metres.
Once they have made bookings, groups may continue their visit outside the museum in order to discover the cultural, natural and scientific characteristics that this special area has to offer: guided itineraries include a visit to the geothermal power plant, to some natural manifestations of geothermal energy, and to greenhouses where teleheating is used.
Activating the working models: experience electricity produced by a turbine, which in turn is powered by water coming from a raised holding tank, or by a wind generator that is set in motion by a fan.
Visit to the Pianacce Power Plant: inside a tunnel equipped with illustrative panels, visitors may learn all about the function of the main elements of a relatively small geothermal power plant.
The “Energies of the Territory” Museum
Via Tiberio Gazzei, 2
53030 Radicondoli
Tel.: 0577 790800; 0577 790910 (Ufficio Cultura)
email: museo.energie@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS
from 1st May
Wednesday to Monday, 10am to -1pm and 3pm to 6pm
closed on Tuesdays
**
TICKETS
regular: € 5,00
reduced: € 2,00
This small but fascinating town, located at the intersection of three valleys (the Val di Cecina, the Val di Merse and the Val d’Elsa), twists and turns around the main street and the Sedice, the road that divides the town. Built up around the year 1000, and coming first under the influence of the Bishops of Volterra and later of the Aldobrandeschi family, it was finally ruled by the government of Siena. As well as the defensive walls girding the town, also worthy of note are the Collegiate Church of Sts. Simon and Jude and the ancient Romanesque Parish Church of St. John the Baptist (also called the Old Church of the Madonna). What strikes visitors most is likely the intimate, quiet atmosphere of the alleyways and the historic palazzi. Beyond the rural beauty of the surrounding countryside, an extraordinary aspect of the area is the geothermal energy that counts as a distinctive feature of the landscape all the way to Larderello, punctuated by fumaroles that have given rise to important economic development and have put the area on the frontline of experimental and practical research in alternative and renewable energy sources.
