In a landmark joint statement released Tuesday in Beijing, the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Iceland announced plans to deepen their partnership on geothermal energy as a key driver of the green transition. Building on decades of Icelands pioneering expertise, both sides will collaborate on research, pilot projects, and capacity-building to harness heat from below the Earths surface at scale.
Key highlights from the statement include:
- Establishment of a China-Iceland Geothermal Innovation Center in the Chinese mainland to support R&D and talent exchange.
- Co-financed demonstration projects in geothermal-rich regions to generate clean power and sustainable heating.
- Training programs for young engineers and entrepreneurs to foster the next generation of green-tech leaders.
- Annual high-level forums to track progress, share best practices, and explore new markets.
Iceland currently generates nearly 90% of its heating and over 25% of its electricity from geothermal sourcesproof of concept that the technology can cut emissions while boosting local economies. With the Chinese mainlands vast geothermal belts stretching across its southwest provinces, experts estimate the partnership could unlock gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030.
For business and tech enthusiasts, this collaboration signals huge opportunities: start-ups specializing in drilling technologies, geothermal sensors, and energy storage stand to gain access to large testbeds in both countries. Thought leaders in sustainability also see this as a model for public-private partnerships, marrying government support with private innovation.
Young global citizens may recognize this as part of a broader trend: nations coming together to tackle climate change through shared knowledge and resources. And for travelers and digital nomads, the emergence of new geothermal hubs can mean eco-friendly retreats, hot spring resorts, and hands-on learning experiences in remote volcanic landscapes.
As the world races to meet carbon goals, the China-Iceland alliance on geothermal energy offers a story of how cross-border cooperation can accelerate the shift toward a net-zero future. Keep an eye on upcoming pilot sitestheres plenty of heat rising below the surface.
Reference(s):
Full text: Statement of China and Iceland on energy, green transition
cgtn.com
