Iceland and Poland join forces for renewable energy development: the Geothermal Synergy Initiative with launch event on December 10.
A new project, “Geothermal Synergy: Iceland-Poland Knowledge Exchange Initiative,” aims to bridge the gap between Iceland’s expertise and Poland’s untapped geothermal resources, setting the stage for a more sustainable future. This six-month-long initiative brings together Iceland’s National Energy Authority, Orkustofnun, and Poland’s MEERI (Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute) under the cooperative umbrella of the GEOTHERMICA Initiative to drive geothermal energy development and knowledge transfer.
The Geothermal Synergy Initiative is dedicated to advancing Poland’s renewable energy transition by harnessing its geothermal potential. As a leader in geothermal energy utilisation, Iceland has successfully integrated geothermal sources into its power generation and district heating systems, reducing its carbon footprint and providing a stable energy source. In contrast, despite holding significant geothermal resources, Poland remains heavily reliant on coal, making this cooperation essential for its environmental and energy security goals.
The initiative aims to transfer Iceland’s knowledge and best practices to Poland, ultimately fostering a renewable, low-carbon energy landscape in Poland. This partnership highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global energy challenges.
- Environmental and economic benefits:
Geothermal energy is a stable, low-emission power source with the potential to replace fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and create economic growth through job creation and improved energy security. For Poland, geothermal represents a path toward diversifying its energy mix away from coal dependence. - Strengthening bilateral relations:
Beyond the environmental and economic advantages, this initiative will fortify diplomatic and economic ties between Iceland and Poland. As a model for international renewable energy cooperation, it showcases the mutual benefits of knowledge exchange and sustainable development practices between nations. - Policy and regulatory development:
One of Iceland’s success pillars in geothermal energy is its supportive policy and regulatory framework, which promotes efficient permitting, incentives, and public engagement. Poland stands to gain from Iceland’s experience in creating a conducive environment for geothermal energy, enabling a smoother transition to renewables. - Alignment with the GEOTHERMICA Initiative:
The project’s alignment with the GEOTHERMICA Initiative enhances its feasibility and potential for impact, drawing on GEOTHERMICA’s established framework for international geothermal energy cooperation on a public authority level.
The Geothermal Synergy Initiative aims to assist in building long-term geothermal energy deployment in Poland by focusing on knowledge transfer, policy exchange, and technical training. The project will include workshops, field visits, and expert consultations to enable Polish specialists to experience Iceland’s geothermal systems firsthand. This approach aims to equip Poland with the tools to harness its geothermal resources efficiently and sustainably.
“This partnership is a crucial step towards a cleaner, renewable energy future for Poland,” said Baldur Petursson from Orkustofnun. “Through collaboration, we can accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems that are resilient and sustainable.”
The Geothermal Synergy Initiative represents a significant step against climate change, underlining the importance of collaboration in renewable energy. As Iceland and Poland work together to harness geothermal energy, this partnership sets an example for other nations toward cleaner energy and more robust international cooperation.
The project webinar takes place on December 10, at 11:00 UTC, Reykjavik. REGISTRATION available here
Published: November 2024
By: Alicja Wiktoria Stoklosa- Office Manager, GEOTHERMICA Initiative
