| Abstract |
April 2015 sees the International Energy Agency- Geothermal Implementing Agreement (IEA-Geothermal, also known as IEA-GIA), completing its 18th year of operation. The organization’s 3rd Term efforts and achievements were recognized by the IEA in February 2013, with their decision to extend its mandate for a 4th 5-year term. IEA-Geothermal, which operates under the auspices of the IEA, provides a formal, but flexible framework for international cooperation on a broad spectrum of contemporary geothermal research and technology topics. Direct collaboration among experts of member countries, industries and organizations increases capabilities; avoids duplication of efforts; improves cost effectiveness through information sharing and joint effort; provides easier access to key information, research results and technological resources; and more. Emphasis is placed on the collection, analysis and dissemination of impartial, authoritative data and information. IEA-Geothermal thereby contributes to the IEA’s efforts to promote global sustainable energy policies that help ensure the provision of reliable, affordable, clean energy, while contributing to the mitigation of climate change. To achieve its goals and attain its 4th Term mission: to promote the sustainable utilization of geothermal energy worldwide by optimizing international collaboration to improve technologies, thereby rendering exploitable the vast and widespread global geothermal resources, by facilitating knowledge transfer, by providing high quality information and by widely communicating geothermal energy’s strategic, economic and environmental benefits, hence contributing to the mitigation of climate change, IEA-Geothermal is currently pursuing activities in seven topics, or Annexes: I-Environmental Impacts, III-Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), VII-Advanced Geothermal Drilling and Logging Technologies, VIII-Direct Use, XI-Induced Seismicity, XII Deep Roots of Volcanic Geothermal Systems, and X-Data Collection and Information. IEA-Geothermal’s achievements since WGC-2010 include: a) major contributions to the IEA Technology Roadmap on Geothermal Heat and Power and the geothermal chapter of the IPCC SRREN (Special Report on Renewable Energy); b) editorship of, and contributions to, the Geothermics Special Issue on Sustainable Utilization of Geothermal Energy; c) publication of a Handbook of Best Practices for Geothermal Drilling; d) support for preparation of a Global Review of Geothermal Reporting Technology; e) convener of international workshops and seminars covering topics related to induced seismicity (Iceland), the mitigation of environmental impacts of geothermal development (New Zealand), the modelling of sustainable utilization (Iceland), geomechanical challenges associated with geothermal drilling, stimulation and production (USA), innovative ways to enhance permeability, reduce drilling costs and sustain geothermal production (Philippines); f) participation at international conferences (GRC, NZGW, Stanford Workshop, European Geothermal Congress); g) publication of comprehensive annual reports and a recently introduced annual Trends in Geothermal Applications report; h) co-produced with IEA the IEA Renewable Energy Essentials: Geothermal brochure, providing articles for the IEA Open Energy Technology Bulletin, and technical support for several other IEA reports; and i) re-development of the GIA public website as a facility for growing information dissemination. Of special significance was the establishment of a project proposal funding scheme in late-2009, which has supported ten projects associated with Annex efforts, including the publication of reports and financial assistance for participation at relevant workshops. IEA-Geothermal publications are freely available to the global community on the GIA public website (www.iea-gia.org). IEA-Geothermal membership currently comprises: 14 countries (Australia, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States), the European Commission, two industry members (Green Rock Energy, Ormat Technologies) and two national organizations (CanGEA [Canada] and Geothermal Group APPA [Spain]). The GIA continues to seek new members who can contribute to the achievement of its mission, increase its expertise, and extend its global geothermal collaboration. A brief review of the current global energy scene and its relevance to climate change is presented. The structure and operation of IEA and IEA-Geothermal are briefly described, details of our major achievements for promoting sustainable geothermal utilization and growth in activities are discussed, and future plans are outlined. |