| Title | Pragmatic Application of UNFC for Reporting the Maturity of Geothermal Resources |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ussher G, Falcone G, Mijnlieff H, Beardsmore G, Conti P, Lebe J |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) is gradually being adopted by the geothermal sector, with several recent examples underscoring its relevance. The cornerstone of UNFC is its focus on evaluating the maturity of a project, which underpins the classification of the energy to be produced. A concern among stakeholders, however, is a perceived complexity of the language for first-time users and the technical assessments required by the UNFC framework. There is potential to facilitate assessments by introducing plain language definitions for each broad type of geothermal technology, while still adhering to the fundamental principles of UNFC. Assessing the maturity of prospective, viable, and operating projects is already possible and straightforward within the UNFC framework. This paper presents an approach that not only simplifies the language and facilitates technical assessments but also enhances the value of UNFC for assessing the maturity of early-stage geothermal projects. By refining the Sub-Classes for Prospective Projects (as permitted under UNFC), we demonstrate a clear pathway for broader application of the UNFC within the geothermal ecosystem. The approach has been tested with actual working groups in different geographic regions. We present results that demonstrate both the effectiveness of the approach to doing assessments, and how classification results can be presented in a clear and meaningful way for users. |