Dec 5, 2025
International geothermal standards committee established
The International Geothermal Standard Committee (IGSC) was officially formed on November 26 in Beijing, China, with its permanent Secretariat hosted by China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (Sinopec). This marks a significant step in the global standardization of geothermal energy.
Founded by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), the IGSC consists of 30 leading experts from 15 countries as its first committee members. The committee aims to develop and promote cohesive international geothermal standards, expedite technology deployment, and support the healthy, sustainable development of the global geothermal industry.
Niu Shuanwen, senior vice-president of Sinopec, commented, “As the world experiences a major energy transition, geothermal energy is becoming a strategic component of future energy solutions. Unified and mutually acknowledged standards are essential for reducing barriers to international cooperation, enhancing technology transfer, and ensuring a resilient global geothermal supply chain.” He added that Sinopec is committed to backing the IGSC and turning global consensus into practical standards that yield significant results.
During the meeting, the members unanimously approved the IGSC Standard Development Procedures and the Work Programme for 2025–2027. The committee plans to systematically develop a comprehensive geothermal standards system addressing the entire industry, including district heating, drilling and completion, power generation, reservoir engineering, resource exploration, and shallow geothermal systems, focusing on processes, methods, equipment, and materials.
Bjarni Pálsson, president of the International Geothermal Association, remarked, “The creation of the IGSC turns a long-term industry agreement into immediate action. By bringing together global expertise in an open and inclusive way, we will create authoritative international standards and guidelines, providing a strong foundation for large-scale, efficient geothermal development and contributing significantly to climate goals.”
Sinopec, the largest developer and operator of mid and deep-geothermal energy in China, has contributed to more than 50% of the nation's geothermal standards and led the first IGA international standard in the country. Its innovative ‘smoke-free city’ geothermal heating project in Xiongxian County, Hebei Province, has been featured in the global promotion catalogue of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Founded by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), the IGSC consists of 30 leading experts from 15 countries as its first committee members. The committee aims to develop and promote cohesive international geothermal standards, expedite technology deployment, and support the healthy, sustainable development of the global geothermal industry.
Niu Shuanwen, senior vice-president of Sinopec, commented, “As the world experiences a major energy transition, geothermal energy is becoming a strategic component of future energy solutions. Unified and mutually acknowledged standards are essential for reducing barriers to international cooperation, enhancing technology transfer, and ensuring a resilient global geothermal supply chain.” He added that Sinopec is committed to backing the IGSC and turning global consensus into practical standards that yield significant results.
During the meeting, the members unanimously approved the IGSC Standard Development Procedures and the Work Programme for 2025–2027. The committee plans to systematically develop a comprehensive geothermal standards system addressing the entire industry, including district heating, drilling and completion, power generation, reservoir engineering, resource exploration, and shallow geothermal systems, focusing on processes, methods, equipment, and materials.
Bjarni Pálsson, president of the International Geothermal Association, remarked, “The creation of the IGSC turns a long-term industry agreement into immediate action. By bringing together global expertise in an open and inclusive way, we will create authoritative international standards and guidelines, providing a strong foundation for large-scale, efficient geothermal development and contributing significantly to climate goals.”
Sinopec, the largest developer and operator of mid and deep-geothermal energy in China, has contributed to more than 50% of the nation's geothermal standards and led the first IGA international standard in the country. Its innovative ‘smoke-free city’ geothermal heating project in Xiongxian County, Hebei Province, has been featured in the global promotion catalogue of the International Renewable Energy Agency.