The International Geothermal Association and the Western Pacific Regional Branch; Collaboration Among Geothermists in Asian Countries

Abstract

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) is a scientific, educational and cultural organization established in 1988. The objective of the association is to encourage research, development and utilization of geothermal resources worldwide through the compilation, publication and dissemination of scientific and technical data and information not only within geothermal specialists but also to general public. As one of the main activities, the IGA holds the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) every five years. The next congress, WGC2010, will be held in Bali, Indonesia in April 2010. The Western Pacific Regional Branch (WPRB) was established under the IGA in 2006 to foster closer collaboration in geothermal research and development in south-eastern Asia and western Pacific regions and to focus on dissemination of information on areas of geothermal science and technology which are special interest of the Region. Geothermal energy is one of the most promising renewable energy resources that can and must take a major role in the energy utilization worldwide for providing benefits to human life and for solving global warming problem. It is particularly true for Asian countries where economical growth is very rapid. Thus, the IGA is requested to take the lead, by a non-political manner, in promoting geothermal energy utilization worldwide.