This week (Oct 14) marks a milestone in the long-standing cooperation between Iceland and China in geothermal energy. H.E. President Halla Tómasdóttir of Iceland visited China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders reaffirmed their countries' shared commitment to advancing renewable energy collaboration, with geothermal at the heart of their efforts.
At the conclusion of the visit, the two governments issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation on clean energy innovation, technology exchange, and climate action. Geothermal energy was highlighted as a model of success and a central pillar of future collaboration.
For Arctic Green Energy, this moment holds particular significance. The achievements of Sinopec Green Energy (SGE), the joint venture between Arctic Green Energy and Sinopec Star, stand as the foundation for this new phase of cooperation is being built. Over nearly two decades, the partnership has transformed geothermal energy from a local Icelandic strength into a massive green solution for China, serving millions of people with clean, affordable, and reliable heating and cooling.
A Shared Vision for Clean Energy Leadership
The Iceland-China partnership on geothermal energy is one of the most successful examples of international cooperation in sustainable development. SGE is now the world's largest and fastest-growing geothermal heating and cooling company, having already reduced CO emissions by over 25 million tons and holding more than 250 industry-leading patents.
Next year, this pioneering collaboration will mark its 20th anniversary, a testament to sustained vision, mutual respect, and joint innovation. With increasing global attention on the role of renewable heating and cooling in decarbonization and energy security, SGE's model is more relevant than ever.
President Tómasdóttir's Visit to the Arctic Green Energy Office in Beijing
As part of her visit, President Tómasdóttir met with a delegation from Arctic Green Energy, led by Founder and Chairman Haukur Hardarson, and Sinopec Group, led by Chairman Hou Qijun. The meeting reflected on two decades of successful cooperation between Iceland and China and explored the next chapter of collaboration.
Discussions focused on continued growth of SGE's operations in China and internationally, the strengthening of research and development ties between the two countries, and the expansion of geothermal education and training through the Iceland-China Geothermal Training Program. In addition, new opportunities were highlighted including applying geothermal energy to emerging global needs, from sustainable urban heating, to industrial-use applications, and clean cooling for AI data centers.
Looking Ahead: From Bilateral Success to Global Leadership
As the world seeks scalable and reliable solutions to the climate crisis, geothermal energy is moving from the margins to the mainstream. Iceland and China's joint leadership in this field demonstrates how cross-border collaboration can deliver both environmental and economic benefits on a global scale.
Reflecting on the significance of this moment, Haukur Hardarson said:
"The state visit and joint statement mark a defining moment in the journey of Sino-Icelandic cooperation on geothermal energy. They are a recognition not only of what we have already achieved together, but also of the enormous potential that still lies ahead. Over the past 19 years, our partnership has shown how collaboration built on trust, shared values, and technological excellence can turn geothermal energy into a cornerstone of clean and affordable living for millions.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of our collaboration, we look to the future with great optimism. Together with our partners at Sinopec and the continued support of both governments, we are ready to expand our reach, deepen our innovation, and strengthen our leadership in the global green energy transition. This is just the beginning of what Icelandic and Chinese cooperation can continue to achieve for the planet."
