November 10, 2020 | Bonn, Germany

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) announces today, that they will transfer their operating headquarter from Bonn, Germany to The Hague, the Netherlands.

This is a landmark decision based on the strategic positioning of geothermal energy as a key enabler of the net-zero future energy mix. The Netherlands has been pioneering geothermal solutions for its greenhouse sector and is setting off to harnessing geothermal heat for smart sustainable cities.

The President of the IGA is thankful for the new partnership. Native New Zealander Ms Andrea Blair is convinced that

“Geothermal is more than just a simple substitute for other energy sources, it can change how people live for the better. With this move the IGA can truly engage in the global conversation, how geothermal energy can play a crucial role in decarbonisation and increasing prosperity.”

The IGA has kicked off the geothermal decade and is well positioned to drive the technology agenda and nurture the diplomatic relations needed to balance the demand for clean energy and the future geothermal solutions.

The IGA is delighted to take seat in the political capital of the Netherlands and being surrounded with embassies, industry partners and successful geothermal demonstrators in its vicinity. A powerful message comes from Mr Eric Wiebes, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy in The Netherlands:

“The Netherlands has gained experience with geothermal energy through applications in the greenhouse sector. We therefore recognize the important role that the geothermal sector can play in reducing CO2 emissions and we are now looking at using geothermal energy for district heating. I am pleased that the IGA selected The Hague as the new location for its operational head quarter and I look forward to working with the IGA on scaling up this renewable energy source.”

The Hague’s Deputy Mayor and alderman for Sustainability, Environment and the Energy Transition, Ms Liesbeth van Tongeren said:

“Clean energy is a young developing sector, and the city of The Hague wants to become a centre for businesses, R&D, conversations, and practical applications that will drive the energy transition. I am delighted that IGA has chosen The Hague as their new location and see a natural fit with the region that is already home to a state-of-the-art research facility, the University of Delft and application of heat energy in horticulture. Moreover Netherlands’ first urban geothermal plant will be operational soon, delivering district heating in The Hague.”

The IGA aims to take seat in Quarter 2 in 2021 and will use the coming period to engage in the necessary conversations with all stakeholders and partners involved. A special thanks goes to The Hague Business Agency and the City Council for creating the opportunity for the global geothermal sector. Mr Laurens Kok, Head of Foreign Investments of the Hague Business Agency said:

“The choice of The International Geothermal Association for the City of The Hague demonstrates the change of focus for many international Energy and Engineering companies that have been in our City for decades. It also recognizes the fertile ground for further knowledge development, innovation and integrated solutions in The Netherlands where industry works together with the government, science and society to create low carbon business models across the Energy value chain.”

The Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators (DAGO) is enthusiastic about the International Geothermal Association’s decision to move to the Netherlands. As the Netherlands makes big steps in the transition towards a zero-carbon energy system, geothermal energy is considered a driver of the heat transition for greenhouses, residential areas and light industry.

 “With IGA as a close partner, the geothermal industry in the Netherlands sees opportunities to learn from countries where geothermal has been around for decades. Of course we also want to share our experiences with the world, for example to help other countries with the production of high-quality vegetables, fully grown on sustainable geothermal heat. We look forward to be part of the IGA-network and to take geothermal heat to the next level” says Mr Radboud Vorage, Chairman of DAGO, The Netherlands.

Dr Marit Brommer, the Executive Director of the IGA, is clear on the future of geothermal and The Hague as the new operational headquarter:

“In the coming decade we will see the geothermal sector scale up to a mature energy provider that is able to offer a cost-effective, clean, baseload supply to its customers. With the Hague as our new seat, we can unleash the geothermal potential through building a global coalition of the willing that will drive the standardisation, investment and sustainability agenda needed for geothermal technologies to be deployed effectively around the globe.”

About the International Geothermal Association:

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) is the leading global platform on geothermal energy. With our four pillars Visibility, Sustainability, Partnerships and Authority, we are committed to push geothermal as a gamechanger for achieving Sustainable Development Goal #7 providing affordable, clean, baseload energy for all.

The IGA connects the Global Geothermal Community, serving as a hub for networking opportunities aimed at promoting and supporting global geothermal development. With industry partners we set standards, mature the technology agenda and nurture entrepreneurs engaged in clean technology. The IGA represents the global geothermal industry to international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency.

Media Contact:

Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director

Tel: +49 (0)152 585 93033

Email: iga@lovegeothermal.org 

Website: www.lovegeothermal.org 

Social Media: #lovegeothermal

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The renewable industries will work together to deliver 100% renewable energy. This can only be achieved through renewable energy integration. Together, the renewable energy technologies are greater than the sum of their parts. A significant increase of investment in renewables will fuel economic growth, create employment and contribute to a climate-safe future. To ensure this, we call for the following:

• Accelerated deployment across all sectors, especially in heating, cooling and transport sectors, also by connecting the sectors. The uptake of renewables in heating and cooling remains slow, even though heating and cooling account for around half of total final energy demand. Policy attention in this area is still lacking.
• Substantial financial incentives for renewables to create competitive advantage for end-users and encourage self-supply. The deployment of renewables in the energy sector still faces multiple barriers. Policy support is needed to advance the achievement of a 100% renewable energy future. Policies ranging from pricing instruments to financial and fiscal incentives, quotas, and obligations, are needed to support clean, efficient and renewable energy projects.
• Consider additional benefits and services of renewables when designing market mechanisms, not just lowest price. The socio-economic benefits of the transition to a 100% renewable energy future is of vital importance. Mitigating climate change through the deployment of price competitive renewable energy need to be considered to future-proof our economy and society.
• Broader policy frameworks devoted to a just and inclusive energy transition. Renewable energy technologies lie at the heart of the energy transition. This transition should focus on deployment, enabling and integrating policies that allow the full variety of investors, from individuals, communities, SMEs up to larger companies to participate and invest.
• Development of green skills and renewable jobs offered to communities. Incentives for education and training are needed to match the future skills demand for the energy transition. These incentives should integrate social and gender equity.
• Mapping and promotion of health benefits of a green energy-based economy. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy technologies is a positive force for climate, health and society

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About the International Renewable Energy Alliance
The goal of Ren-Alliance is to foster collaboration, removing market barriers, identifying and promoting successful implementation strategies, enhancing business conditions and developing markets. This is to be achieved by the provision of reliable and up to date facts and considerations for more informed decision making at all levels of national and international policy and to further the principles and goals declared in the 2004 Bonn Declaration on Renewable Energies.

The REN-Alliance brings together five renewable industry organizations to promote the use of renewable energy technologies worldwide: the International Hydropower Association, the International Geothermal Association, the International Solar Energy Society, the World Bioenergy Association, and the World Wind Energy Association.

In an interview with REN21’s Katie Findlay, IGA Executive Director Dr. Marit Brommer spoke about potential for the geothermal sector to benefit from lower upfront costs and new partnerships with the oil and gas sector.

You can read the full interview here:

Oil collapse sparks new interest in geothermal energy