| Title | Progressing with GSAP to Advance and Support Sustainable Geothermal Development |
|---|---|
| Authors | Katrín Ragnarsdóttir, Joerg Hartmann, Bjarni Pálsson, Marit Brommer, Álfheiður Bjarnadóttir |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Geothermal energy is a renewable resource with strong climate mitigation potential, but sustainable practices are essential for responsible and efficient resource utilization. The Geothermal Sustainability Assessment Protocol (GSAP), based on the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol, evaluates and improves sustainability across environmental, social, economic, and technical dimensions throughout project lifecycles. Moreover, it has the ability to serve as an internal benchmarking tool to help developers align their operations with key sustainability criteria, particularly those set by major financial institutions such as KfW Development Bank and the World Bank. Since 2021, the International Geothermal Association (IGA) has managed GSAP. This paper reviews GSAP‘s current status and adoption in the last years, which remains limited. The paper critically analyzes the practical benefits and limitations experienced by geothermal practitioners and examines the potential for further development of the framework. Boosting the use of GSAP requires motivation rooted in ambition and recognition of its value as an audit tool that can facilitate permitting processes, attracting investment and unlock financing opportunities and gaining social acceptance of geothermal projects. The article explores how GSAP can empower geothermal projects to meet evolving sustainability expectations and drive responsible sector growth in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on clean energy, SDG 13 on climate action, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. It’s time for the geothermal sector to lead by example—by embedding sustainability at the core of every project and ensuring that no community is left behind. |