| Abstract |
The global demand for energy continues to grow, with fossil fuels expected to remain the dominant sources well into the future. In 2008, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that if current government policies continue (Reference Scenario), the total global primary energy need in 2030 will be 45% greater than in 2006. This will likely lead to energy security problems and a large increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with related significant climate change effects. However, if renewable energy options using current technology are implemented, GHG emissions could drop to about 20% lower than for the Reference Scenario; and with significantly more effort and technology development, the drop could be more than 35%. These outcomes provide a strong incentive for increased use of clean, renewable energy resources, including geothermal energy, which can make a significant contribution. Success, however, requires international cooperation. The IEA Geothermal Implementing Agreement (GIA) is one of 10 IEA collaborative renewable energy technology projects. It provides a versatile scheme for international cooperation in geothermal R&D activities, with a focus on enhancing effectiveness through establishing direct cooperative links among geothermal experts in the participating countries, industries and organizations. Since its establishment in 1997, the GIA has worked vigorously to have geothermal’s capabilities recognized by energy planners, political and financial decision makers, and the public; and to support and advance the development of these vast and widespread energy resources for electricity generation and direct heat applications. Now well into its 3rd 5-year term (2007-2012), the GIA’s key efforts are aimed at promoting and accelerating sustainable geothermal development and thereby contributing to the mitigation of climate change. GIA’s current activities continue to cover four broad topics, managed through Annexes: Annex I- Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Energy Development, Annex III- Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Annex VII- Advanced Geothermal Drilling Techniques and Annex VIII- Direct Use of Geothermal Energy. Recognition of new important issues has also led to the addition of several new investigations, including: induced seismicity studies (Annex I), examination of sustainable geothermal energy use (Annex I), and novel ways to present information/data to the public via the internet using Google Earth (Annex VIII). In addition, Annex III efforts have been completely revised and new studies added due to the recent concerted effort on EGS development in Australia, the USA and Europe. The GIA has expanded activities to non-Members by sponsoring international technical workshops on induced seismicity and sustainability modelling; and a joint GIA-IGA workshop on geothermal’s potential for climate change mitigation held in May 2009. GIA annual report content has grown, making it more informative and useful to participants and financial and government institutions. The GIA website continues to develop, with emphasis placed on information dissemination to both participants and the general public. Distribution of GIA information and research results has increased significantly. |