Geothermal Energy Forum created to drive the growth of geothermal in the UK
The REA and GEAA have come together to form the Geothermal Energy Forum to unify the voice of the geothermal industry in the UK and accelerate its growth.
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 hopefully will be completed by the end of this year.
This strategic acquisition marks a major step forward for the UK’s geothermal sector. The integration of the GEAA into the REA reflects growing confidence in the sector and in the REA’s role in helping to galvanise movement in this market.
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.
“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,” said Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the REA.
“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.”
The REA is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with over 400 members operating across heat, transport, power and the circular economy. It is a not-for-profit organisation representing 14 sectors, ranging from composting, biogas and renewable transport fuels to solar, storage and electric vehicle charging.
The REA is one of only two UK energy trade associations with official observer status to the UNFCCC, enabling it to provide Blue Zone accreditation at COP30 and to represent UK clean energy on the international stage.
“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,” added Karl Farrow, Chief Executive of CeraPhi Energy and Chair of GEAA.
“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.”
Source: Email correspondence