International Geothermal Standards Committee holds first plenary meeting in Beijing, China
Establishment of the International Geothermal Standards Committee (source: Sinopec)
Carlo Cariaga
1 Dec 2025
The International Geothermal Standards Committee has been officially established, gathering 30 experts to formulate and promote global geothermal standards.
On 26 November 2025, the International Geothermal Standard Committee (IGSC) was officially established in Beijing, China, where it also held its first plenary meeting. Initiated by the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and with its permanent Secretariat hosted by China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), the committee aims to lead global geothermal industry organizations and experts in jointly researching, developing, and promoting international geothermal standards.
The story follows on the call for experts announced by the IGA back in October 2025.
The IGSC brings together 30 leading experts from 15 countries as its inaugural committee members. The committee will lead the development and promotion of unified international geothermal standards, accelerate technology deployment, and ensure the healthy, sustainable growth of the global geothermal industry chain.
During the meeting, members unanimously adopted the IGSC Standard Development Procedures and the 2025–2027 Work Program. Going forward, the committee will systematically advance a comprehensive geothermal standard system covering the full industry chain, including resource exploration and evaluation, reservoir engineering, drilling and completion, district heating, power generation, and shallow geothermal systems, with a focus on processes, methods, equipment, and materials.
“With geothermal energy playing an increasingly vital role in the global energy landscape, the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth momentum. The establishment of the IGSC transforms a long-standing industry consensus into urgent action,” said Bjarni Pálsson, President of the IGA. “By pooling worldwide expertise in an open and inclusive manner, we will deliver authoritative international standards and guidelines, laying a solid foundation for large-scale, efficient geothermal development and contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.”
“As the world undergoes a profound energy transition, geothermal energy – abundant, stable, clean and low-carbon – is emerging as a strategic cornerstone of the future energy mix. Unified and mutually recognized standards are the foundation for lowering international cooperation barriers, speeding up technology transfer, and securing a resilient global geothermal supply chain,” commented Mr. Niu Shuanwen, Senior Vice President of Sinopec. “Sinopec will spare no effort in supporting the IGSC and translating global consensus into actionable standards that drive real impact.”
Source: Sinopec
