We added a new connector session and further webinars are currently planned! Please register to our newsletter in order to stay on top with our current online course programme.
Note: For the connector session “Geothermal State of Play” only a few free seats are still available!
Photo by Simon Abrams on Unsplash
Remco de Boer initiated a leading podcast series on the Energy Transition in the Netherlands. In the run-up to convening the global geothermal community in Iceland in April 2020, the Executive Director of the IGA, Dr Marit Brommer, was interviewed to showcase the ´treasure beneath our feet´ through the diversity of geothermal utilisation. The positioning of Geothermal Energy as a clean source for the heat demand in the Netherlands and in Europe was also discussed.
Note: The Podcast is in Dutch language
Last month our Bulgarian partners under the Project “GSS – VET – Geothermal & Solar Skills – Vocational Education & Training” organized the first pilot training of building specialists and electrical engineers from all over the country. The training in photovoltaic systems was conducted at the TU Sofia and the training in Solar-thermal systems was conducted in Plovdiv. A pilot training for Geothermal will be held in Germany soon.
The curriculum was developed on the bases of surveys and mapping of the existing vocational training syllabuses, and discussions with representatives of companies working in the field of RES on the needed skills and competences of the specialists referred to above. The newly developed syllabuses have been uploaded on the platform of the VTC at CISB in the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training /NAVET/, which enables VTC at CISB to award legitimate certificates for part of the profession “Technician of energy facilities and installations”, specialized in Renewable Energy Sources.
Innovative training methods of ubiquitous learning were used – 3 different forms of teaching and learning, namely:
The training ended with a self-assessment test and final tests, in accordance with the certification requirements. The trainees who have passed the tests successfully will be awarded ‘Certificate of Vocational Training & Qualification’ for part of the profession, which will be valid and recognized not only in the country but also in the whole EU.
The trainees showed a keen interest in the subject of the training, and its innovative teaching methodology, as well as a responsible attitude to the self-training part. During the training, the so called ‘green skills’ were emphasized in view of the growing need for “green jobs”. It was pointed out that ‘the green economy’ is vital for conserving the existing natural resources, protecting the environment and the well-being of humanity.
The GSS-VET project combines and promotes Geothermal and Solar Skills in Vocational Education and Training. The training content is focused on technical skills, but also on transversal ones, including entrepreneurship, ICT, interdisciplinary skills and ability to work effectively with people from other disciplines. 40 trainers and 200 workers will directly be trained during the project’s lifetime and 2,500 workers will be trained by 2025. Read more about GSS-VET at http://gss-vet.eu.
+++ 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.geothermal-energy.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
Alexander Richter, IGA President, had the opportunity to represent the IGA at the IRENA 10th Annual Assembly. The president showcased collaborative projects such as the pilot deployment of the UNFC Specifications in Indonesia, Caribbean and Ethiopia. He shared some details about the work done in collaboration with IRENA and the World Bank and its ESMAP program on the introduction and implementation of the UNFC Specifications for geothermal resources.
‘The work, lead by Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director of the IGA, was holding three workshops to introduce, train and work with geothermal resource specifications under UNFC in Indonesia, the Caribbean and Ethiopia. Initially planned to concretely apply the specifications in quantifying resources, the projects required specific capacity building efforts. This will be the next emphasis on further implementation of these efforts.
Alexander Richter
The meeting also concluded that the upcoming World Geothermal Congress 2020 in Reykjavik, Iceland will be an important event for the global geothermal community and those interested in geothermal development. Participants will be able to see and experience the different opportunities for geothermal energy utilisation and this uniquely all in a maximum one-hour radius from the venue for the event in Reykjavik. To not miss the event, make sure to register timely at https://www.wgc2020.com.’
Read full article here: http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/increasing-international-attention-to-geothermal-energy-and-what-it-has-to-offer/
We thank the New Zealand Geothermal Association, the University of Auckland with special thanks to Sadiq Zarrouk and Jane Brotheridge as well as many sponsors – Contact Energy, MB Century and Jacobs for the amazing BoD#71 and filed trip in Auckland, New Zealand. It was a very productive and rewarding stay!
The New Zealand Geothermal Workshop has been well attended and the IGA Executive Team was represented there by Gregor Rumberg and Margaret Krieger who have successfully presented their research. You can now download the papers from the NZGA Workshop 2019 from our paper database. Click here to get access.
After the successful events, the IGA visited the geothermal direct use sites – ‘Plenty Flora’ (photo) the greenhouse for gerberas, Kawerau geothermal field and their pulp and paper processing plants and talked to representatives of other geothermal companies in the country.
The International Geothermal Association is pleased to announce that China will be the host of the World Geothermal Congress 2023.
The IGA Board has voted for China after careful evaluation of three bid books coming from China, Italy and Russia. The voting was done after presentations to the Board in Auckland, New Zealand on November 28, 2019. The Board sincerely thanks all three candidates for their commitment and interest in hosting the next World Geothermal Congress and appreciated the presentations of the bid book whilst convening in Auckland for Board meeting #71.
“The IGA is grateful for the great interest shown to host the World Geothermal Congress 2023 and congratulates China for its winning bid. With its commitment to utilise geothermal energy in its efforts on making cities smoke-free, China has seen an incredible growth in geothermal district heating capacity. With that it serves as a great example and showcase on the role of geothermal energy beyond electricity in direct use of geothermal resources for heating, both for businesses, residences and industrial use. We are looking forward to work with our Chinese counterparts on the 2023 World Geothermal Congress.”, so Alexander Richter, President of the IGA.
The IGA congratulates China and is aiming to finalise the contractual agreement between IGA and Host in the first Quarter of 2020. The signing ceremony between IGA and China will be organised at WGC2020 in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Press contact: IGA Executive Director – Marit Brommer (marit@lovegeothermal.org)
Who are we: The International Geothermal Association (IGA) aims at being the leading world authority in matters concerning the research and development of geothermal energy by setting educational standards and offering worldwide energy solutions and in-house technical support, with special support for countries in early stages of geothermal development.
We connect the Global Geothermal Community, serving as a platform for networking opportunities aimed at promoting and supporting global geothermal development. We embody a wide variety of members ranging from academy to industry representatives.
Find us here: www.lovegeothermal.org
Our social media handles: @lovegeothermal
The availability of qualified personal is a bottleneck for the expansion of shallow geothermal energy in many countries. Specific knowledge for heating installers as well as for drilling staff or planners and designers. On November 19th, the training course approaches of the projects geo2spain, GSS-VET, Geozert and GeoTrainet have been presented at the Geothermiekongress Munich.
In “Vocational Education and Training in Europe: The GSS-VET Project” our Technical Director Gregor Rumberg reported about the latest project results, the implementation of innovative teaching methods, experiences from the international collaboration and a possible utilization on the German market.
The GSS-VET project combines and promotes Geothermal and Solar Skills in Vocational Education and Training. The training content is focused on technical skills, but also on transversal ones, including entrepreneurship, ICT, interdisciplinary skills and ability to work effectively with people from other disciplines. 40 trainers and 200 workers will directly be trained during the project’s lifetime, and thanks to the involvement of VET providers, sectorial organizations (including an EU umbrella), regional authorities and other associated partners, 2,500 workers will be trained by 2025. Read more about GSS-VET at http://gss-vet.eu
In 2020 we continue to put extra focus on our members. Not only will we launch exciting services, we are also in the process of providing more exclusive membership benefits. But, to do this we need your opinion.
Please fill out the survey or send us an email with your thoughts and opinions to iga@lovegeothermal.org on how we can improve our services and membership benefits.
Thank you for participating. Your opinion is very important to us.
https://www.surveymonkey.de/r/HS8TDTS
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
The IGA Board of Directors has approved the new IGA Constitution and Bylaws and our membership is now asked to ratify. We invite therefore all our members to review the documents and respond online in the members area until 18 October 2019, 23:59 CEST.
