IGA aims for Global Geothermal Impact with new appointments
The new Board of Directors of the IGA recently convened to discuss critical strategies to further elevate geothermal energy and make a global geothermal impact.
The International Geothermal Association (IGA) recently convened for the inaugural meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors in Paris, France. During the meeting, the Board discussed critical strategies and steps necessary to further elevate geothermal energy as a dominant force within the renewable energy sector and position IGA as the paramount authority on geothermal energy.
Under the leadership of the new IGA President Sylvain Broglé, five Vice-Presidents and one delegate were appointed to look after specific regions:
- Patrick Hanson – VP America and Caribbean
- Elizabeth Henriquez – VP Latin America
- Solrun Kristjansdottir – VP Europe
- Sedef Karagoz – VP Middle East
- Graeme Beardsmore – VP Asian Pacific
- Liu Jiurong- Delegate China
Sylvain Broglé will act as delegate Africa ad interim until further notice. In addition, Dr Marit Brommer has been appointed by the full Board as Chief Executive Officer of the IGA for the coming 3 years.
Furthermore, the IGA has now initiated four task forces to drive global impact:
- Geothermal Training, Qualification and Certification led by Dr Ninik Suryantini
- Geothermal Standards and best Practices led by Ms Adele Manzella
- Geothermal Sustainability led by Mr Bjarni Pálsson.
- Oil & Gas Collaboration led by Dr Marit Brommer
“This meeting marks the beginning of a new era: by appointing these qualified volunteer board members and a chief executive officer at the headquarter, we can start to put the action in place. Climate change is not waiting and is calling for unified, global action. We are ready to show the world why geothermal energy has the key features in place for a clean, green, sustainable energy future and unlock the investment needed to explore, drill and unleash this vast resource,” said Sylvain Broglé, IGA President.
“I am honoured and humbled to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer for the upcoming board term and serve the organisation, our members, partners and our stakeholders across the globe with dedication and commitment to achieve our goal: ensuring global geothermal growth. Together we are delivering the future of green energy by promoting our benefits, generating measurable impact, and amplifying our actions through our skilled workforce. I can´t wait to start!” said Dr. Marit Brommer, CEO of the IGA.
Geothermal heating in France
The Board also took the opportunity to visit the district heating network in Cachan, operated by DALKIA. The informative tour shed light on the impressive geothermal energy operations in the Parisian region, notably:
- Over 50 geothermal doublets in operation across Ile de France
- Extensive supply to the needs of district heating networks, providing heating in winter and hot water round the year
- Satisfaction of hot water and heating needs for over a million residents through geothermal energy. These notable statistics underscore the potential of geothermal energy as a reliable, sustainable energy source, contributing to the de-carbonization of the heating sector, and thereby mitigating climate change.
Looking forward, the Board is set to reconvene at the World Geothermal Congress (WGC2023) in Beijing, China, a global platform that celebrates advancements and promotes collaboration in the geothermal industry. The WGC2023 is scheduled between 14 -23 September, more information can be found here www.wgc2023.com
Source: IGA
