Beijing Hosts International Geothermal Standard Committee for Global Geothermal Advancement

Launch of the International Geothermal Standard Committee

On November 26, 2025, the International Geothermal Standard Committee (IGSC) was officially established in Beijing, marking a crucial step towards global geothermal energy advancement. The committee's permanent secretariat will be hosted by Sinopec, a major player in China's energy sector. This momentous occasion reflects a growing commitment to standardization within the geothermal industry, an essential aspect for fostering international collaboration.

The Purpose and Goals of the IGSC

Initiated by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), the IGSC is a consolidation of 30 leading experts from 15 countries, focused on developing and promoting unified international geothermal standards. As the energy landscape shifts dramatically worldwide, geothermal energy is becoming increasingly recognized for its abundant, stable, and clean characteristics. The committee aims to accelerate technology deployment and ensure a robust, sustainable geothermal supply chain globally.

Mr. Niu Shuanwen, Senior Vice President of Sinopec, articulated the significance of these developments, stating, "Unified and mutually recognized standards are vital for reducing barriers to international cooperation, expediting technology transfer, and ensuring a resilient geothermal supply chain."

Major Developments During the Inaugural Meeting

During the inaugural IGSC meeting, members unanimously adopted the Standard Development Procedures and outlined the work program for the years 2025 to 2027. The agenda includes systematic advancements in creating a comprehensive geothermal standard system that encompasses the entire industry chain—from resource exploration and evaluation to reservoir engineering, drilling, completion, district heating, power generation, and shallow geothermal systems. Importantly, the focus extends to processes, methods, equipment, and materials.

The industry's expansion signifies an unmistakable momentum for geothermal energy, prompting urgent action in standardization. Bjarni Pálsson, the President of the IGA, emphasized this in his remarks, noting that pooling global expertise is crucial for developing authoritative standards that would support large-scale, efficient geothermal projects. This unity is deemed essential for contributing meaningfully to tackling global climate challenges.

Sinopec's Role and Contributions

Sinopec, known as China’s largest developer and operator of mid- and deep-geothermal energy resources, currently provides geothermal heating across a vast area equivalent to 126 million square meters. This achievement translates to the significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 6.2 million tons of CO₂ being offset annually.

The corporation has already drafted over half of China's national geothermal standards and has played a leading role in establishing the country's first international standard recognized by the IGA. Notably, the groundbreaking geothermal heating project at Xiongxian County in Hebei Province has been included in the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) global promotion catalog, illustrating Sinopec's pioneering efforts in this domain.

Conclusion

The establishment of the IGSC represents a pivotal move towards fostering international consensus in geothermal standards that will empower the industry on a global scale. By laying a solid foundation of best practices, the committee is poised to significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of geothermal energy, which is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone in achieving future energy goals and addressing the pressing issue of climate change. As representatives from various nations unite under the IGSC, we can anticipate a brighter future for global geothermal energy development.