The International Geothermal Association is happy to welcome Eavor as a new corporate club member.

Eavor is a technology based Energy company led by a team dedicated to creating a clean, reliable and affordable energy future on a global scale.

Absolutely thrilled to see Eavor joining the global stage and supporting the IGA in its mission: developing geothermal energy anywhere to contribute to a low-carbon and affordable future energy mix. Exciting times to be in geothermal – welcome to the club Eavor!

Marit Brommer, IGA Executive Director

Eavor’s solution (Eavor-Loop™) represents the world’s first truly scalable form of clean, baseload and dispatchable power. As a completely closed-loop system, Eavor has the advantage of no fracking, no GHG emissions, no earthquake risk, no water use, no produced brine or solids, and no aquifer contamination. Eavor instead circulates a benign working fluid which is completely isolated from the environment in a closed-loop, much like a massive subsurface radiator.

Eavor is pleased to align with organizations that continue to bring awareness and shine a light on the geothermal industry.  The IGA is an excellent example of continuing to push the needle forward and Eavor is proud to support

John Redfern, CEO Eavor

Find out more about Eavor and their technolohy here: www.eavor.com

Download and read the full press release below.

Green Pipeline: The Oil and Gas to Geothermal Connection

The Green Pipeline is an effort to determine and contextualize the technical research and demonstration needs of the oil and gas sectors in pivoting to geothermal resources. There is a new awareness by the energy industry of the need to diversify their portfolio that was accelerated in the last 18 months from the impact of COVID-19 on world consumption changes as well as the arrival of broad political consensus to address climate change. As a result, in early 2021, a team of geothermal professionals developed and publicly distributed a survey instrument with an International Geothermal Association (IGA) supported team reviewing the results.

The survey responses highlighted well-known high-level challenges, yet few provided detailed research and demonstration challenges. The range in size and types of geothermal projects makes it difficult to say any one detail or technology will increase geothermal development.
Some examples of the high level challenges identified include:

  • Improved rate of penetration in harder and deeper rock, at higher temperatures, and wider bore diameters,
  • Derisking through improved exploration and regional 3D modelling,
  • Monitoring tools and wellbore production optimization,
  • Increase the rate of sustainable heat production per well,
  • Control fluid permeation through large volume of rock,
  • Increased heat conversion efficiency at lower delta T’s and lower flows,
  • Longer equipment lifetime in geothermal environments,
  • Reduction in induced seismicity and subsidence challenges,
  • Decreased O & M costs, lateral training of oil and gas professionals, and
  • Low-cost, efficient, standardized surface power plants for low-enthalpy resources.

Quotes attributable to the Technical Team

“The responses to the Green Pipeline survey showed clear call for numerous demonstration projects in parallel, at scale, and across the full thermal suite of geothermal resources. This is how we get to geothermal anywhere.” said Lawrence Molloy, Project Director.

Maria Richards with the SMU Geothermal Laboratory in Dallas, Texas said: “The Green Pipeline initiated the framework on how we can move forward with a technology roadmap for the oil and gas pivot to geothermal”.

“Technical responses to the survey included suggestions in exploration, drilling, reservoir management, and surface systems as well as various (and rapidly proliferating) drilling techniques.”  Graeme Beardsmore, IGA Board Member and Technical Team Member


You can Download the report here:

https://www.lovegeothermal.org/the-green-pipeline-2021/

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) has kicked off the geothermal decade and is well positioned to drive the geothermal technology agenda in the coming years. In addition, the Association has a global network of geothermal leaders and facilitates a best practices and international standard platform for its industry members. At the same time, the IGA works with its global partners to consistently call for policy reforms needed to advance geothermal development on the ground.

It is with great pride that the IGA welcomes today its newest corporate member: Shell Geothermal BV.

Shell Geothermal was established in 2018 and is based in The Hague. The aim of the company is to contribute to the heat transition by developing geothermal energy in the Netherlands leveraging its unique knowledge of the Dutch subsurface.

In a recent interview with Mr Van Duin, General Manager of Shell Geothermal, said:

”Shell Geothermal has the ambition to make good use of Shell’s capabilities to realize the potential of geothermal energy in the energy transition. This requires close cooperation with partners and local stakeholders, innovation, economies of scaleand further development of heat networks. Sharing knowledge and experience and learning from others in the geothermal sector will support realise the potential for geothermal energy. That is a key reason why we are joining the IGA and its global network today. This is an important step forward to reaching our ambition.”

Mr Van Duin also stressed the importance of the heat transition: “In the Netherlands, the demand for heat makes up about half of the total energy consumption. In order to meet the climate targets for 2030 and 2050, it is therefore important to develop renewable sources for heat. Geothermal energy can play an important role to decarbonize the built environment and greenhouse sector, as key part of the future mix of energy sources.”

Dr Marit Brommer, the Executive Director of the IGA, says:

“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. I am extremely pleased to see Shell Geothermal joining us and help create 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. Shells customer-focus and drive for operational excellence will be advantageous for the global geothermal sector.”


Media Contacts:
Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director
Tel: +49 (0)152 585 93033
Email: iga@lovegeothermal.org
IGA website: www.lovegeothermal.org
Social Media: #lovegeothermal

Shell Media Relations
Tel: +31 (0) 70 377 8750
Email: media-nl@shell.com


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.

About Shell Geothermal BV:

Shell Geothermal BV sees good opportunities for Geothermal energy to provide a valuable contribution to the heat-transition, as a natural and sustainable heat source.
Shell Geothermal BV was founded in 2018 with the aim of investing in and developing geothermal projects in the Netherlands.
For more information: https://www.shell.nl/aardwarmte


The International Geothermal Association is happy to welcome Vallourec as a new corporate member to our global industry network.

The IGA is putting together several task forces on standards and practices for geothermal energy and we are delighted to see the support and commitment from such a strong industry partner as Vallourec.

Further developing geothermal energy will require standardizing existing practices in order to increase efficiency and reduce the capital expenditures needed to develop new projects. Vallourec is proud to bring its long standing expertise of Oil & Gas and geothermal wells to the IGA and is eager to contribute to its standarization efforts.

Pierre Etienne Bougon, Business Development Manager at Vallourec

Vallourec is a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy markets and for demanding industrial applications such as oil & gas wells in harsh environments, energy transition applications (CCUS, hydrogen, geothermal, solar, offshore wind), challenging architectural projects and high-performance mechanical equipment. Vallourec’s pioneering spirit and cutting-edge R&D open new technological frontiers. With close to 17,000 dedicated and passionate employees in more than 20 countries, Vallourec works hand-in-hand with its customers to offer more than just tubes: it delivers innovative, safe, competitive and smart tubular solutions, to make every project possible.

Webite: www.vallourec.com

+++PRESS RELEASE+++

Bonn/Tokyo/Berlin/Stockholm, 10 March 2021 – Renewable energy organisations representing different spheres of the renewable energy community have gathered today on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident to emphasise that renewable energies are not only available in abundance but ready to deliver a renewable world. The combination of all renewable technologies, be it bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy, solar energy or wind power, in particular in combination with storage options, can satisfy all energy needs of mankind, be it for power, heating/cooling, transportation, or industrial processes. 

Renewables have seen tremendous growth rates and cost reduction over the past two decades, but there are still many barriers that need to be addressed for a faster renewable energy deployment to eventually achieve global 100% renewable energy. It is up to political decision-makers to create the legislative and regulatory conditions so that the renewable energy community can act as fast as needed. 

Such rapid switch towards renewables is not only a must in light of nuclear risks and the growing threats of climate change, but also the necessary response to the current pandemic situation. And it will allow those hundreds of millions of humans in unserved areas to get for the first time ever access to modern energy services. 

Speakers from the renewable energy community presented today in a joint webinar that a renewable future is a realistic vision, representing: 

Energy Watch Group, Global100RE Platform, Global100RE Strategy Group, International Geothermal Association, ISEP Japan, REN Alliance, World Bioenergy Association, World Wind Energy Association. 

Dr. Tetsunari Iida, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies ISEP Japan: 

Ten years ago, on 11 March 2021, the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident occurred. It is a “coincidence of global history” that it now coincides with the starting point of the 100% renewable energy initiative that is accelerating around the world.

The world has changed dramatically since 311. Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Taiwan, South Korea, China and many other countries were all shocked by 311 and shifted their focus from nuclear power to renewable energy. The next ten years will be the decade in which this perception will rapidly become the “new reality”. 311 was the “starting point” for a structural energy shift in world history.

Hans-Josef Fell, former MP, President of the Energy Watch Group and co-initiator of the Global100RE Strategy Group: 

The disasters of Fukushima and Chernobyl are urging the entire world to quickly end the use of atomic energy. Contrary to what is often claimed, nuclear energy cannot make a contribution to climate protection, but only creates immense problems with toxic radioactivity emissions, nuclear waste, atomic bomb material and the dangers of a nuclear catastrophe. In contrast, 100% renewable energies until 2030 can help achieve climate protection and a simultaneous nuclear phase-out, according to a recently published statement by a world-leading group of energy researchers from the USA, EU and Australia. 

Their research suggests that a 100% renewable energy supply, including storage systems, can provide full energy security for all of mankind by 2030 and will even be cheaper than the existing nuclear and fossil energy supply. The only requirement for implementation is the right decisions taken by decision makers both in governments and industry. All technical and economic prerequisites for a disruptive conversion of the global energy supply to 100% renewable energies are already in place. 

Hon. Peter Rae AO, President of WWEA and Honorary Chairman of the REN Alliance: 

40 years ago, the idea of developing nuclear power appealed to me as a non-polluting method of generating electricity. So I studied it. How to deal with waste and how to ensure it would not create a danger to life. Along came Chernobyl and other accidents. Storage of waste was leaving dangerous hiding places while some waste was alleged to be dumped at sea. I became more and more concerned. There were demonstrations that the existing methods were dangerous and required very strict construction and operational tolerances – up went the cost. Long delays and huge cost increases. I had visited nuclear power stations and talked to expert proponents in UK, France, US, Taiwan and Australia. The more I did the more certain I became that it was not the way to go. Then Fukushima put the dangers and cost beyond doubt. Let’s get on with the rollover to renewables. 

Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director of the International Geothermal Association IGA: 

The IGA is proud to work with all renewable energy associations to continuously provide a unified voice to a cleaner energy future. The Geothermal sector is proven to be a partner of choice for many locations in the world serving baseload power and clean heat to customers. We are particularly interested in the increased attention system integration gets, which underpins the importance of all renewables coming together at events such as the webinar organised by the WWEA.

Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association: 

The IPCC has emphasized the important role of sustainable bioenergy for climate protection. Recent advances in technology allow us to use feedstock from forestry, wood processing and agricultural production in an efficient and clean way. Today, bioenergy already contributes 12 – 13% to global final energy demand. Together with other renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower, bioenergy can increase the contribution in a substantial way to meet the energy demands of all end use sectors and meet the international energy and climate goals. 

Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General of the World Wind Energy Association and Co-chair of the Global100RE Platform: 

The switch to a renewable energy future requires new political and economic thinking: from centralised structures with few large actors towards decentralised, participatory models with millions of communities and citizens playing an active role, not only as consumers but also as producers of energy. To make this new paradigm the predominant energy paradigm is the true challenge of the energy transformation which we as the world community are facing. If we manage this shift well and on time, billions of people across the globe, in industrialised and developing countries alike, will benefit and will face a bright future. 

The programme of the webinar and later the recordings are available at: https://wwindea.org/wweawebinar-on-10-march-ten-years-after-fukushima-renewables-are-ready-to-deliver-a-renewable-world/ 

We are very pleased to announce the official collaboration between the IGA and the Project “Geothermal Heat Utilization for Industrial Processes in the SICA member countries”, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The collaboration mainly aims at examining and strengthening geothermal direct use activities in the eight member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA). The joint activities in the next three years will focus on the establishment of a strong regional network, knowledge transfer and capacity building. Last but not least the implementation of demonstrative projects is the main focal point and helps significantly to bring new, efficient and innovative technologies to Central American industries and agriculture companies.

IGA Executive Director Marit Brommer upon signing the MoU with GIZ:
“On behalf of the IGA I am very pleased and excited signing the MoU between IGA and the GIZ-Project. We are embarking on the next steps for future collaboration in the Central American Region to drive geothermal entrepreneurship, create growth and plan for action on the ground. The network and intrinsic knowledge of the IGA combined with the geothermal development project of the GIZ and partners is the recipe for success, and we are looking forward making a difference for the local communities, businesses and our members.”

GIZ Project Manager Ana Lucia Alfaro said:
“Contributing to sustainable development in SICA member countries (Central America and Dominican Republic) and supporting the emission reductions through geothermal energy direct uses are part of our commitments. Today we celebrate bringing in important partners like IGA, this will enforce the benefits for the region.”

We are happy to embark on this journey together with strong partners, supporting and helping each other in our mission to contribute to the carbon free future and mitigate the climate change by highlighting the benefits of the geothermal energy source and direct uses.

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) – as the international representation of the global geothermal energy industry – continues its efforts of promoting geothermal energy and its activities to foster geothermal development worldwide.

The past few weeks have been particularly busy. Following the move of the IGA Secretariat and its operations to Bonn, IGA attended the annual General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in January 2019. There IGA highlighted the important role geothermal energy can play with regards to power generation, but even more importantly in the supply of a favorable and sustainable energy solution for heating and cooling, as well in the agri-food sector.

At the annual GeoTHERM expo & congress that concluded last week in Offenburg, Germany, the International Geothermal Association (IGA) shared an update on its operations and activities during a side event organized jointly by the International Energy Agency Geothermal Implementing Agreement and IGA. The presentation highlighted IGA’s recent activities on the introduction, promotion and training on the UNFC Geothermal Resource Specifications, including workshops held in Indonesia, St Lucia in the Caribbean and Ethiopia, as well as general activities aimed to foster geothermal development worldwide.

At the GeoTHERM congress, IGA’s President Alexander Richter gave a keynote presentation sharing a status report on geothermal development today and an outlook into the future.

Today, geothermal power is generated in 27 countries with a total installed geothermal power generation capacity of 14,600 MW at year-end 2018.  With ongoing development and development ambitions the number of countries that could be producing geothermal power could increase to 82 countries.

There currently is ongoing and planned development of about 15,000 MW in power generation capacity, which would more than double the current installed capacity. Estimating development over the next 5 year period, IGA expects development of around 4,100 MW in capacity, picking up pace compared to the 4,341 MW added in the time period of 2008 to 2018. Key growth markets are Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

It is clear that support mechanisms introduced by multilaterals, such as the World Bank, and development banks have been of help for projects getting over the big hurdles in the early stages of geothermal development, how sustainable that support is for further development will have to be seen.

So the timing of IGA’s World Geothermal Congress 2020 taking place from 27 April to 1 May 2020 in Reykjavik, Iceland, is perfect to engage the global geothermal energy community to discuss challenges and opportunities, while also highlighting what has been achieved.

To help set the global agenda, the IGA has opened the Expression of Interest (EoI) for hosting the World Geothermal Congress in 2023. More information can be found on our website where the EoI can be downloaded. Deadline for submitting the EoI is April 30, 2019.

IGA now also seeks nominations for its Board positions. Affiliated and individual members are kindly invited to forward their nominations for Board term 2020- 2023. The deadline for receiving nominated candidates is April 16, 2019.


IGA website: www.lovegeothermal.org
Website of the World Geothermal Congress 2020: www.wgc2020.com
Social Media handles: @lovegeothermal

Media Contact:
Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director
E-mail: marit@lovegeothermal.org
Mobile: +49 (0) 151 5984 3284