As the world gears up for the 8th World Geothermal Congress in Calgary, Canada, this June, another announcement by the International Geothermal Association (IGA) is creating buzz in the geothermal world: the congress is coming to Africa for the first time in history!
Kenya Is a Leader in Geothermal Development
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, has been selected as the host city for the World Geothermal Congress 2029 (WGC2029) with IGA and the Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK) now beginning the process of co-developing the Hosting Agreement and operation planning for the Congress. As one of the world’s leading geothermal nations and a recognized pioneer in large-scale geothermal power generation, Kenya’s role as a pivotal voice in renewable energy across the continent is a testament to its leadership.
“Kenya’s victory to host WGC 2029 is a proud testament to our leadership in geothermal energy and Africa’s rising global stature,” said Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
World Geothermal Conference Driving Energy Alternatives
Since its inception, WGC has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of geothermal energy, serving as a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, scientists, policymakers, and enthusiasts. This has marked the congress as the premier global event that brings together the geothermal energy community to exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and drive sustainable development.
The first congress was held in Florence, Italy, in 1995, marking a milestone for the geothermal community. From Japan to Turkey, Iceland to Indonesia, the congress has traversed continents, highlighting diverse geothermal resources and technological advancements.
“Kenya stands as a testament to what long-term vision can achieve, and WGC2029 will showcase the power and possibility of Africa’s geothermal future,” commented Dr. Marit Brommer, IGA Chief Executive Officer.
The upcoming WGC2026 will continue the tradition of excellence while introducing new dimensions to the congress. With the theme “Forging Geothermal Innovation,” the event will explore how geothermal energy can power a sustainable future. WGC2026 will also emphasize the integration of geothermal with other renewable energy sources, its applications in emerging sectors like AI and data centers, and its role in addressing global energy challenges.
Image by IRENA on Flickr under a Creative Commons license
