On World Geothermal Energy Day, The Renewable Energy Association (REA) and Geothermal Energy Advancement Association (GEAA), have announced their intention to create a new, dedicated platform within the REA, the Geothermal Energy Forum, to help drive growth in this high potential sector.
Both organisations have now agreed Heads of Terms for the acquisition of GEAA by the REA which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the year. This strategic acquisition marks a major step forward for the UK's geothermal sector. By bringing GEAA's expertise and membership into the REA, the Geothermal Energy Forum will help unify the industry's voice and strengthen engagement with Government, policymakers, and key stakeholders - accelerating the growth of geothermal energy in the UK.
GEAA has been one of the key geothermal bodies, and the only UK trade association solely dedicated to geothermal energy. Its integration into the REA reflects growing confidence in the sector and in the REA's role in helping to galvanise movement in this market.
Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association said:
This move establishes a powerful new platform to help unlock the UK's exciting geothermal potential. Whether that's for clean sources of heat for homes and businesses, or new low carbon power generation - geothermal has an important and currently under-valued role to play. I am determined that by the REA and GEAA coming together in this way we can ensure that geothermal energy plays a key role in the UK's journey to greater energy security, energy sovereignty, local jobs and lower emissions.'
Karl Farrow, Founder/ Chief Executive of CeraPhi Energy, Chair of GEAA said:
We started GEAA over a Kitchen Table in the midst of Covid nearly 5 years ago, at that time there was no designated UK voice for Geothermal, we have slowly built a framework around a group of passionate individuals and organisations - big and small from academia to industry - who have come on that journey with us building GEAA into a solid membership base and internationally recognised association. We now need a bigger table and evolving GEAA into the geothermal arm of the REA as the Geothermal Energy Forum is a natural next step for GEAA and its members'
Ross Glover, CEO of Star Energy said:
This sort of coalition building is critical for the UK geothermal sector. We are excited to play our role in the Geothermal Energy Forum and actively participate in shaping key policy engagements with the Government.'
Karen Spenley, UK Country Manager of Celsius Energy said:
It's encouraging to see the REA acknowledge the need for the geothermal sector to find a unified voice to grow and thrive. As an underutilized energy source in the UK, we look forward to seeing how the GEF (Geothermal Energy Forum) drives awareness, investment, and policy development across all aspects of geothermal energy, enabling it to play a greater role in energy resilience and decarbonisation.'
Jon Gluyas, Board Member, National Geothermal Centre said:
The UK National Geothermal Center welcomes the news that the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association (GEAA) is merging into the Renewable Energy Association (REA). It will strengthen and deepen the already great relationship between the NGC and the REA, and together we will continue to support the nascent UK geothermal industry and advocate for appropriate policies from government to improve energy security, energy sustainability and energy equity.'
