China and Iceland forge Deeper Ties in Geothermal and Green Energy
REYKJAVIK, Oct 26 – China and Iceland have agreed to significantly expand cooperation on geothermal energy and broader green energy initiatives, according to a joint statement released today following talks between Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The partnership aims to leverage iceland’s expertise in geothermal resource development and china’s technological and financial capacity to accelerate the global transition to enduring energy sources.
The agreement marks a deepening of economic and environmental ties between the two nations, coming at a time when both are seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet ambitious climate goals. Iceland, a leader in geothermal energy production – providing nearly 25% of its total primary energy supply from geothermal sources – will share its knowledge and technology with China, while China will explore increased investment in Icelandic renewable energy projects. The collaboration is expected to focus on areas including direct use of geothermal energy, enhanced geothermal systems, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.
The joint statement highlighted a commitment to joint research and development projects,personnel training programs,and increased collaboration between businesses in both countries. Discussions also included potential cooperation on green hydrogen production, utilizing Iceland’s renewable electricity to produce hydrogen for export and domestic use. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris agreement and pledged to work together to promote global climate action. Ding Xuexiang’s visit to Iceland, concluding today, underscores China’s growing interest in Arctic nations and their potential contributions to sustainable energy solutions.
