+++ Press release +++ International Geothermal Association +++ 27 January 2020 +++
Going into a new decade, geothermal energy is well positioned in the efforts on a global energy transition providing heating, cooling and electricity around the clock
With the
beginning of 2020, an exciting year and decade starts for the global geothermal
energy community. Convening at the World Geothermal Congress 2020 (www.wgc2020.com) in
Reykjavik, Iceland, the geothermal community enters a new period for our
industry, rejuvenated and excited with the increasing interest into what
geothermal energy has to offer in the global energy transition.
Expecting
around 3,000 participants from all over the world, the World Geothermal
Congress (WGC) will feature an exciting program, technical sessions, a trade
show, side events, field trips and discussions related to everything that
geothermal energy has to offer. The great opportunities to show the world the
many elements of geothermal energy utilization just in a one-hour radius of the
venue for the conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, will allow the industry to
highlight the important role it has to offer for a cleaner and sustainable
energy future.
The IGA
continues on its path to push geothermal development forward globally through
its activities, among others representing geothermal at international energy
events, its efforts on standards for geothermal resource assessments, engaging
with other renewable energy organisations and much more. We are representing
geothermal energy as a valid and elementary part of the efforts to decarbonize
the energy sector, not only for power generation but also heating and cooling.
We are thereby understanding our sector as part of a global renewable energy
revolution that is shaping the future how we derive, utilize and sustain energy
sources for future generations.
Today,
geothermal power plants are operating in 29 countries with a total installed
power generation capacity of 15,400 MW at the year-end 2019. The leading
countries based on installed capacity are the United States, Indonesia, the
Philippines, Turkey, New Zealand and Mexico. With ongoing development an
additional 50 countries could see the addition of geothermal power generation
to their energy mix. Globally,
geothermal power generation capacity could reach 28,000 MW in the next 15-20
years. Over the next 5-year period, with the ongoing development IGA expects
development of 4,500 MW in power generation capacity added. Key growth markets
remain to be Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.
Support
mechanisms introduced by multilaterals, such as the World Bank, and development
banks continue to play an important role in getting projects over the big
hurdles in the early stages of geothermal development, how sustainable that
support is for further development will have to be seen.
The key
growth market for the geothermal sector though, will be the heating and cooling
market. Targeting an energy transition, the European Green Deal announced by
the new European Commission, the heating and cooling market is becoming the
center of efforts on an energy market decarbonization. This provides an
incredible opportunity for the geothermal sector, that already sees increased
interest by energy utilities all over Europe and beyond. Efforts by cities like
Munich in Germany, in the Nordic countries and in the Netherlands to tap into
geothermal energy for its heating needs show an increased expansion of
geothermal development efforts beyond “traditional” geothermal markets in
volcanic regions of this world.
The timing of
IGA’s World Geothermal Congress 2020 taking place in 27 April to 1 May 2020 in
Reykjavik, Iceland is perfect in the current market environment. It allows us
to engage the global geothermal energy community, its partners and potential
customers to discuss the opportunities and challenges, while also highlight
what has been achieved. Being able to showcase how Iceland is utilizing energy
to its fullest extent possible is providing an incredibly timely opportunity
for the geothermal community.
Alongside
many ongoing and planned initiatives, the IGA is striving to create value for
the geothermal sector and expand its collective voice on behalf of global
geothermal development. These initiatives are already well underway with the
deployment of UNFC Specifications for Geothermal Energy Resources, and
engagement on the Geothermal Sustainability Assessment Protocol.
IGA is
actively taking steps for a deeper engagement with industry on activities and
alignment that supports and strengthens our scientific and academic roots.
Contact us for details on how you can support us in our efforts to give
geothermal energy the attention it deserves.
About the
International Geothermal Association (IGA)
Founded in 1988, the International Geothermal
Association (IGA) is the international representation of the global geothermal
energy industry. With more than 4,000 members in over 65 countries, IGA is a
non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organization with consultative
status to the UN and special observer status to the Green Climate Fund.
In our representation of
the global geothermal community, we support and promote the sustainable
utilization and development of geothermal energy resources through education,
research, collaboration, and social awareness. We promote and support
geothermal energy, as a sustainable, clean and valuable source of energy for
future generations.
As the association of
associations, IGA currently represents 36 national geothermal associations and
groups, as well as industry and institutions.
IGA website: www.lovegeothermal.org & www.lovegeothermal.org
Website of the World Geothermal Congress 2020: www.wgc2020.com
The new logo of IGA: https://goo.gl/iCixL3 (zip file)
Social Media handles: @lovegeothermal
Media Contact:
Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director
E-mail: marit@lovegeothermal.org Mobile: +49 (0) 151 5984 3284