The International Geothermal Association (IGA) announces today, 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.
The President of the 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. 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.”
The Hague’s Deputy Mayor and alderman for Sustainability, Environment and the Energy Transition, Ms Liesbeth van Tongeren said:
“Clean energy is a young developing sector, and the city of The Hague wants to become a centre for businesses, R&D, conversations, and practical applications that will drive the energy transition. I am delighted that IGA has chosen The Hague as their new location and see a natural fit with the region that is already home to a state-of-the-art research facility, the University of Delft and application of heat energy in horticulture. Moreover Netherlands’ first urban geothermal plant will be operational soon, delivering district heating in The Hague.”
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. A special thanks goes to The Hague Business Agency and the City Council for creating the opportunity for the global geothermal sector. Mr Laurens Kok, Head of Foreign Investments of the Hague Business Agency said:
“The choice of The International Geothermal Association for the City of The Hague demonstrates the change of focus for many international Energy and Engineering companies that have been in our City for decades. It also recognizes the fertile ground for further knowledge development, innovation and integrated solutions in The Netherlands where industry works together with the government, science and society to create low carbon business models across the Energy value chain.”
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.
“With IGA as a close partner, the geothermal industry in the Netherlands sees opportunities to learn from countries where geothermal has been around for decades. Of course we also want to share our experiences with the world, for example to help other countries with the production of high-quality vegetables, fully grown on sustainable geothermal heat. We look forward to be part of the IGA-network and to take geothermal heat to the next level” says Mr Radboud Vorage, Chairman of DAGO, The Netherlands.
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.”
About the International Geothermal Association:
The International Geothermal Association (IGA) is the leading global platform on geothermal energy. With our four pillars Visibility, Sustainability, Partnerships and Authority, we are committed to push geothermal as a gamechanger for achieving Sustainable Development Goal #7 providing affordable, clean, baseload energy for all.
The IGA connects the Global Geothermal Community, serving as a hub for networking opportunities aimed at promoting and supporting global geothermal development. With industry partners we set standards, mature the technology agenda and nurture entrepreneurs engaged in clean technology. The IGA represents the global geothermal industry to international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Age
