The Renewable Energy Association (REA) and the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association (GEAA) have announced plans to merge, creating a new platform within the REA dedicated to advancing the UK’s geothermal sector.
The new Geothermal Energy Forum (GEF) will unify the industry’s voice, strengthen engagement with government and policymakers and accelerate investment and policy development across geothermal energy.
The merger, expected to complete by the end of 2025, coincides with World Geothermal Energy Day and marks a major step toward unlocking the UK’s untapped geothermal potential.
The REA and GEAA have signed Heads of Terms for the acquisition, under which GEAA’s membership and expertise will be integrated into the REA. The move reflects growing confidence in geothermal as a clean, reliable source of heat and power.
Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the REA, 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 and Chief Executive of CeraPhi Energy and Chair of GEAA, reflected on the organisation’s journey: “We started GEAA over a kitchen table in the midst of Covid nearly 5 years ago. 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.”
Industry leaders welcomed the move as a sign of sectoral maturity.
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, added that the merger will give geothermal “a unified voice to grow and thrive.”
Jon Gluyas, Board Member at the National Geothermal Centre, said the merger “will strengthen and deepen the already great relationship between the NGC and the REA” and help advocate for policies to improve “energy security, energy sustainability and energy equity.”
Renewable Energy Association and GEAA join forces appeared first on Energy Live News.