IGA Workshop: Globally consistent classification for geothermal energy resources

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) has formed a working group to draft specifications on how to apply the United Nations Framework for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009) to geothermal resources. In order to attract qualified volunteers, the IGA held a workshop with the support of the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) at the IRENA office in Bonn.

Individuals in the sector invited to the workshop represented governments, international organisations, industry, investors, professional societies, academia and other key stakeholders engaged in the classification and reporting of geothermal resources. The IGA said the working group would comprise up to ten individuals, selected for their range of experience and expertise in resource classification.

The association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in September 2014 to develop a globally applicable, harmonised standard for reporting geothermal resources. This is intended to ensure greater consistency and transparency in financial reporting, as well as facilitating better management of geothermal resources. Under the MoU, the IGA set out to provide technology-specific rules of application for UNFC-2009.