WORLD GEOTHERMAL CONGRESS 2026
Remember the past, forge the future
History
The History of the World Geothermal Congress (WGC)
The World Geothermal Congress (WGC) is the premier global event that brings together the geothermal energy community to exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and drive sustainable development. Since its inception, WGC has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of geothermal energy, serving as a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, scientists, policymakers, and enthusiasts.
Inception and Early Years
The concept of WGC was born out of a growing need to unite geothermal stakeholders on a global scale. The first congress was held in Florence, Italy, in 1995, marking a milestone for the geothermal community. It was organized by the International Geothermal Association (IGA) with the vision of creating a forum to address the challenges and opportunities of geothermal energy in a rapidly evolving energy landscape
Years
editions
attendees
Expanding Horizons
Following its successful debut, WGC became a quinquennial event, hosted in different regions of the world to reflect the global nature of geothermal energy. From Japan to Turkey, Iceland to Indonesia, the congress has traversed continents, highlighting diverse geothermal resources and technological advancements.
Each congress has built upon the successes of its predecessors, introducing new themes and initiatives to address emerging trends. Over the years, topics such as digitalization, small-scale geothermal systems, direct use applications, and geothermal’s role in achieving net-zero emissions have taken center stage.
Innovate & Share
A Platform for Innovation
One of the hallmarks of WGC is its focus on innovation and research. The congress features a robust technical program, showcasing groundbreaking studies, pioneering projects, and the latest technological advancements in geothermal energy. It serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, fostering partnerships that push the boundaries of what geothermal energy can achieve.
Bringing Communities Together
WGC is more than just a conference—it is a celebration of the global geothermal community. Through workshops, field trips, and social programs, the congress creates an environment where participants can connect, share experiences, and form lasting relationships. This spirit of camaraderie has been a defining feature of WGC, reinforcing the shared commitment to sustainable energy development.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WGC2026: Forging Geothermal Innovation
The upcoming WGC2026, to be held in Calgary, Canada, will continue the tradition of excellence while introducing new dimensions to the congress. With the theme “Forging Geothermal Innovation,” the event will explore how geothermal energy can power a sustainable future. WGC2026 will also emphasize the integration of geothermal with other renewable energy sources, its applications in emerging sectors like AI and data centers, and its role in addressing global energy challenges.
Shaping the Future
As the world transitions to cleaner energy systems, WGC remains a beacon for the geothermal industry. Its history is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaboration of the global geothermal community. Each congress builds on a legacy of progress, propelling the industry closer to its goal of a sustainable energy future for all.