Steps Energy Visited COP 28 UAE

At Steps Energy, we are committed to driving the future of geothermal energy, and our recent visit to COP 28 was a testament to that commitment. We were honored to have Dr. Marit Brommer, CEO of IGA, accompany us on this journey.

During our visit, we had the privilege of exploring the Saudi Pavilion and engaging in fruitful discussions with esteemed organizations like SWCC and the Ministry of Energy. These interactions were invaluable in strengthening our ties with key government bodies.

But the highlight of our trip was the meetings with numerous companies who share our passion for geothermal energy. The enthusiasm and interest we encountered were truly inspiring. Collaboration is the key to advancing sustainable energy solutions, and we look forward to exciting partnerships ahead.

World Geothermal Congress (WGC)

UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: WGC 2023 IN BEIJING

The World Geothermal Congress WGC 2023 was held in Beijing from 15-17 September 2023. Over 54 countries attended the congress to discuss the future of geothermal energy.

WGC 23 focused on innovation & technology, the new era of geothermal energy and, district heating and cooling and direct applications of geothermal energy.

The next WGC 2026 will be held in Calgary, Canada first quarter of 2026.

International Geothermal Association (IGA) issued a declaration for WGC 2023.

Beijing declaration

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Geothermal Energy is unleashed in Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) have signed a memorandum of understanding to start the exploration of geothermal resources in the country. This agreement comes after the work done by the SGS since 2020 to investigate Saudi Arabia’s geothermal energy reservoirs under funding from the National Industry Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) at the Ministry of Industry and Mining.

Many studies have been done previously that support the presence of geothermal resources in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Arabian Shield region and the volcanic areas of Al-Harrat. Despite all the academic work, there has been no advancement of this research into economically feasible projects. Ambitious plans have also been announced in the past but these have not manifested into actual projects.

Exploring for geothermal reservoirs is different from the typical geological studies conducted by SGS. With this in mind, the Minister of Energy recommended that they need not “reinvent the wheel” but rather must seek the assistance of the international community that already has the experience in the field of geothermal exploration, studies, and projects. The necessary skills must also be cultivated locally in the university students in Saudi Arabia.

The signing of the MOU is being considered as possibly one of the biggest news involving the Ministry of Energy in 2023. If the venture is successful, geothermal projects can significantly help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieve its goals of carbon emission reduction and phasing out of fossil fuels as outlined in the country’s Vision 2030.

Source: Think GeoEnergy