Initiated by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), the IGSC comprises 30 experts from 15 countries. Its primary mission is to develop and promote internationally recognised geothermal standards, accelerate technology application, and support sustainable development across the entire geothermal value chain.
"As the world undergoes a profound energy transition, geothermal energy… is emerging as a strategic cornerstone of the future energy mix. Unified and mutually recognised standards are the foundation for lowering international cooperation barriers, speeding up technology transfer and securing a resilient global geothermal supply chain," commented 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."
At the inaugural meeting, members unanimously approved the IGSC Standard Development Procedures and the 2025–2027 Work Programme. The committee will systematically build a comprehensive standard framework covering district heating, drilling and completion, power generation, reservoir engineering, resource exploration and evaluation, and shallow geothermal systems, with emphasis on processes, methods, equipment, and materials.
"The establishment of the IGSC transforms a long-standing industry consensus into urgent action," remarked Bjarni Pálsson, president of the International Geothermal Association. "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."
Sinopec, China's largest operator of mid- and deep-layer geothermal projects, has drafted more than half of China's national geothermal standards and led the country's first IGA international standard. Its geothermal heating project in Xiongxian County, Hebei Province – recognised as a model "smoke-free city" initiative – has been included in the International Renewable Energy Agency's global promotion catalogue.
The creation of the IGSC is expected to enhance technical collaboration, reduce deployment costs, and support the steady expansion of geothermal energy worldwide as a reliable renewable resource.
