Colombia and Iceland enter bilateral cooperation on geothermal energy development
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The Governments of Colombia and Iceland have signed an MoU for bilateral cooperation to promote geothermal growth, information exchange, and capacity building.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU0 has been signed between the Governments of Colombia and Iceland to promote bilateral cooperation in the geothermal energy sector. The agreement highlights the experience and leadership of Iceland in the sector which complements the rich opportunities for geothermal development in Colombia.
The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Colombia and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate of Iceland. It lays the foundation for a cooperative relationship focused on the exchange of knowledge, capacity building, research, and the development of joint initiatives on the sustainable utilization of geothermal potential.
“Science has shown us the urgency of transforming our energy matrix and our economy to respond to the climate crisis. That is why alliances like this are fundamental to strengthening our country’s capabilities in advancing towards a just energy transition,” said Irene Vélez Torres, the Minister in charge of Environment and Sustainable Development.
We say with absolute certainty: decarbonization means leaving fossil fuels in the ground and focusing on promoting other underground energies: cleaner, more reliable, and with a longer lifespan.”
Areas of cooperation
Through this agreement, Colombia and Iceland seek to strengthen cooperation between their public institutions and, where appropriate, facilitate links between public entities, private sector actors, research centers and other organizations involved in the development of geothermal energy.
The areas of cooperation contemplated in the Memorandum include the exchange of knowledge on the exploration and sustainable use of geothermal resources for electricity generation and direct heat applications; research, innovation and technological development; as well as the identification and development of geothermal energy pilot projects.
The Memorandum also contemplates opportunities for cooperation that include technical training programs, study visits, specialized workshops, joint research and development activities, as well as the creation of collaborative networks between public institution
While geothermal already plays an important role in daily life in Iceland, the geothermal sector in Colombia is still at its very nascent stage. Colombia currently only has a 100-kw geothermal power pilot plant in Casanare. Just recently, the Government of Colombia approved the first major geothermal exploration initiative in the country at the Nereidas site.
Source: Government of Colombia
