| Title | Geothermal Collaboration through the International Energy Agency Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme |
|---|---|
| Authors | Samantha Alcaraz |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Technology Collaboration Programme, Geothermal TCP, IEA Geothermal, IEA-GIA, international collaboration, geothermal, geothermal energy, shallow geothermal, deep geothermal, superhot geothermal, underground thermal energy storage, mine water geothermal energy |
| Abstract | Geothermal offers immediate benefits for the heat transition and holds significant long-term potential for electricity generation, as advanced technologies emerge and evolve. The International Energy Agency Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Geothermal, the Geothermal TCP, known earlier as IEA-GIA) has sixteen participants, including fourteen nations, one sponsor and the European Commission regularly meeting to share advances in geothermal technology. Collaboration is the foundation of the Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) that bring together independent, world-leading experts and agency representatives to advance research, development, commercialisation, and deployment of energy technologies. The Geothermal TCP is into its 29th year of operation since the first Executive Committee meeting was held in March 1997. High quality geothermal data, for electrical and non-electrical (direct and indirect) use, is collected, collated, and shared. Other current activities are focussed on underground thermal energy storage, mine water geothermal energy, the wider system impacts of geothermal, geothermal gas management, superhot geothermal. Seminars and workshops are organised to promote the use and uptake of geothermal energy, disseminate information, share country experiences and establish collaborative networks. In December 2024 the International Energy Agency (IEA), based in Paris, published their aspirational ambitions for geothermal energy across the globe in their report “The Future of Geothermal Energy”. The Geothermal TCP is working with IEA to advance geothermal through their networks. There is much to be gained in sharing and working together on energy as the world transitions to low carbon energy. This paper canvasses the strengths of the Geothermal TCP and shares recent highlights. |