The International Geothermal Association announces that they will transfer their operating headquarter from Bonn, Germany to The Hague, the Netherlands. This is a landmark decision based on the strategic positioning of geothermal energy as a key enabler of the net-zero future energy mix.
The Netherlands has been pioneering geothermal solutions for its greenhouse sector and is setting off to harnessing geothermal heat for smart sustainable cities.
Decarbonisation
The President of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) is thankful for the new partnership. Native New Zealander Ms Andrea Blair is convinced that Geothermal is more than just a simple substitute for other energy sources. ‘It can change how people live for the better. With this move the IGA can truly engage in the global conversation, how geothermal energy can play a crucial role in decarbonisation and increasing prosperity.’
The IGA has kicked off the geothermal decade and is well positioned to drive the technology agenda and nurture the diplomatic relations needed to balance the demand for clean energy and the future geothermal solutions.
The IGA is delighted to take seat in the political capital of the Netherlands and being surrounded with embassies, industry partners and successful geothermal demonstrators in its vicinity.
Greenhouses and district heating
A powerful message comes from Mr Eric Wiebes, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy in The Netherlands: ‘The Netherlands has gained experience with geothermal energy through applications in the greenhouse sector. We therefore recognize the important role that the geothermal sector can play in reducing CO2 emissions and we are now looking at using geothermal energy for district heating.
I am pleased that the IGA selected The Hague as the new location for its operational head quarter and I look forward to working with the IGA on scaling up this renewable energy source.’
Light industry
The IGA aims to take seat in Quarter 2 in 2021 and will use the coming period to engage in the necessary conversations with all stakeholders and partners involved.
The Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators (DAGO) is enthusiastic about the International Geothermal Association’s decision to move to the Netherlands. As the Netherlands makes big steps in the transition towards a zero-carbon energy system, geothermal energy is considered a driver of the heat transition for greenhouses, residential areas and light industry.
Dr Marit Brommer, the Executive Director of the IGA, is clear on the future of geothermal and The Hague as the new operational headquarter:
‘In the coming decade we will see the geothermal sector scale up to a mature energy provider that is able to offer a cost-effective, clean, baseload supply to its customers. With the Hague as our new seat, we can unleash the geothermal potential through building a global coalition of the willing that will drive the standardisation, investment and sustainability agenda needed for geothermal technologies to be deployed effectively around the globe.’
