Geothermal industry statistics: a revised model for data collection and reporting

Abstract

Geothermal statistics are subject to fragmented reporting and inconsistencies between different energy entities due to proprietary data collection and reporting methods. This fragmented and incomplete data contributes to an imprecise reflection of geothermal energy sector. One of the key industry reporting organizations – International Geothermal Association (IGA) – compiles data that is further used in the majority of global renewable energy reports. These data collection and reporting methods pursued by the IGA were last updated in the year 2000 and do not reflect on current industry trends and usage, To address the completeness of the geothermal information globally methods of data collection required revision and harmonization.
Moreover, to ensure data quality, in February 2022, an improved system for data collection for both the power and the heating and cooling sectors was published by the International Geothermal Association. The proposed system is the conclusion of two expert groups active from January to November 2021. This paper briefly describes the new approach taken for the collection and reporting of geothermal statistics, its categories, and definitions. It is based on a dedicated model that describes the successive steps implemented to reflect the “what”, the “who” and the “how” of building the data. It serves the goal of improving the process of data collection by unifying industry nomenclature, making it more systematic, transparent, and significantly more consistent. Engagement of experts represents the first step in the process of tackling the geothermal data standardization on the global level.