#China #Beijing #Geothermal Energy #Sinopec #International Geothermal Association

International Geothermal Standard Committee Officially Established

On November 26, 2025, the International Geothermal Standard Committee (IGSC) was formally established in Beijing. This significant event is hosted by China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), representing a major milestone in the global standardization of geothermal energy. This initiative, spearheaded by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), brings together a group of 30 leading experts from 15 countries as inaugural committee members.

The formation of the IGSC is aimed at developing and promoting unified international geothermal standards. These standards are crucial for accelerating technology deployment and ensuring sustainable growth within the global geothermal supply chain. According to Mr. Niu Shuanwen, Senior Vice President of Sinopec, "As the world undergoes a significant energy transition, geothermal energy—characterized by its abundance, stability, cleanliness, and low carbon footprint—emerges as a foundational element of future energy portfolios. Recognized and unified standards will lower barriers to international cooperation, expedite technology transfer, and ensure a resilient global geothermal supply chain."

During its first meeting, the committee adopted the IGSC development procedures and a work program for 2025-2027. The focus will include comprehensive standards across the geothermal industry, covering areas like resource exploration and assessment, engineering, drilling, reservoir construction, district heating, electricity generation, and shallow geothermal systems. There is a strong emphasis on processes, methodologies, equipment, and materials.

Global Collaboration and Standards

With the essential role of geothermal energy growing in the global energy landscape, the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. Mr. Bjarni Pálsson, President of the IGA, stated, "The creation of the IGSC transforms longstanding industry consensus into urgent action. By sharing global expertise in an open and inclusive manner, we aim to provide authoritative international standards and guidelines, which are vital for effective and large-scale geothermal development, thereby making significant contributions to global climate objectives."

Currently, Sinopec stands as the largest developer and operator of intermediate and deep geothermal energy in China. They are providing geothermal heating for 126 million square meters of buildings, helping to offset nearly 6.2 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Sinopec has accounted for over 50% of China’s national geothermal standards and has led the country’s first international geothermal standard initiated by the IGA. Notably, their flagship project, the "smokeless city" geothermal heating in Xiongxian County, Hebei Province, has been included in the global promotion catalog by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This initiative is expected to pave the way for more effective collaboration and innovation in geothermal energy usage, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for energy worldwide.

The establishment of the IGSC offers hope for a coordinated and impactful approach to harnessing geothermal energy’s potential, enabling countries to work together towards a common goal of reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental sustainability. The committee’s work promises not only to foster technological advancements but also to prioritize climate action initiatives in the energy sector.

As the IGSC embarks on its mission, the global community looks forward to seeing the positive changes it can bring to the geothermal landscape and, ultimately, the planet's energy future.