#China #Beijing #Geothermal Energy #Sinopec #IGSC

International Geothermal Standards Committee Established in Beijing

On November 26, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved with the official establishment of the International Geothermal Standards Committee (IGSC) in Beijing. The committee will operate under a permanent secretariat hosted by China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, widely known as Sinopec. This initiative represents a transformative step towards creating unified geothermal standards at a global level.

The IGSC was initiated by the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and comprises leading experts from 15 countries, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience in the geothermal industry. The primary objective of the committee is to promote and develop international geothermal standards that are not only unified but also mutually recognized across various nations. This is crucial for enhancing international cooperation, expediting technological transfer, and ensuring a resilient global geothermal supply chain.

Niu Shuanwen, Senior Vice President of Sinopec, emphasized the importance of geothermal energy in the global energy transition, describing it as abundant, stable, clean, and low-carbon. He stated that unified standards will help dismantle barriers hindering international collaboration and will serve as a foundation for accelerating technological advancement in the geothermal space. Sinopec is committed to actively supporting the IGSC and translating global consensus into actionable standards that can make a real-world impact.

During the inaugural meeting, the members unanimously adopted the IGSC’s Standard Development Procedures and the Work Program for 2025-2027. Looking ahead, the committee aims to systematically promote a comprehensive geothermal standard system that encompasses the entire industry chain. This includes critical areas such as resource exploration and evaluation, reservoir engineering, drilling and completion, urban heating applications, power generation, and surface geothermal systems. The focus will be on enhancing processes, methodologies, equipment, and materials used throughout the geothermal industry.

As the role of geothermal energy continues to expand on the global energy landscape, the industry is poised for unprecedented growth. Bjarni Pálsson, President of the International Geothermal Association, articulated that the establishment of the IGSC transforms a long-held industry consensus into urgent action. By combining global expertise in an open and inclusive manner, the committee will develop prestigious international standards and guidelines, setting a solid foundation for efficient large-scale geothermal development and significantly aiding in achieving climate goals worldwide.

Sinopec stands at the forefront of geothermal development and operation in China, currently providing geothermal heating for 126 million square meters of buildings. This initiative has equated to nearly 6.2 million tons of CO₂ emissions reduction annually. Furthermore, Sinopec has contributed to over 50% of national geothermal standards in China and played a pivotal role in establishing the country's first international standard with IGA. Their flagship geothermal heating project, “Smokeless City,” located in Xiongxian County, Hebei Province, has also gained international recognition and is included in the global promotion catalog of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The formation of the IGSC and the establishment of Sinopec’s secretariat is a landmark achievement in the globalization of geothermal standards, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in energy production. Stakeholders from around the globe eagerly anticipate the advancements that will emerge from this collaboration, which aims to propel the geothermal industry into a new era of efficiency and recognition.