| Title | Geothermal Direct Use – International Energy Agency Geothermal Technical Collaboration Programme |
|---|---|
| Authors | Katharina LINK, Brian CAREY |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | geothermal, geothermal heat pumps, smart thermal networks, direct use, International Energy Agency, Working Group 8, Geothermal TCP |
| Abstract | Geothermal direct use technologies are mature and competitive with capacity and energy increasing at greater than 10% per annum across the globe. The International Energy Agency Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Geothermal) operates Working Group 8 which is focused on the direct use of geothermal energy. Over the last few years the group has been raising awareness and fostering uptake of direct use technologies through workshops and seminars held in several countries. The Working Group has 10 participating member countries and the European Commission working across five active tasks. Collaboration between the participants sees the sharing of research and development advances that are known to the participants. The work covers the complete spectrum from high to low temperature geothermal direct use applications, including ambient geothermal energy use in facilities heating and cooling using geothermal heat pump technology. Innovative smart thermal grids and innovative city energy systems are increasing with significant opportunities for this technology where significant reductions in carbon emissions from heating systems are achievable. Discussed in the paper are the tasks of the Working Group, highlights from recent work and a future view of the direct use of geothermal energy as the potential for new and innovative direct use applications is realised through energy systems that are focused on managing and reducing carbon emissions. |