The Implementing Agreement on Geothermal Energy commenced in March 1997.It has the objectives of exchange of information, common development of new technologies, and disseminating information on the environmental advantages of geothermal energy. Work underway includes identification of, and the development of means to avoid or minimise, adverse environmental impacts that can arise from the use of geothermal energy; development of hot dry rocks and other technologies for commercial heat extraction; and the commercial development of deep geothermal resources.

01. Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Energy Development
The aim of this Annex is to encourage sustainable development of geothermal energy resources, quantify adverse or beneficial impacts and identify means of avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects.

03. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
This Annex aims to address new and improved technologies, which can be used to artificially simulate a geothermal resource to enable commercial heat extraction.

07. Advanced Geothermal Drilling Techniques.
This Annex addresses all aspects of geothermal well construction, including drilling costs, understanding drilling practices and developing improved drilling technology

08. Direct Use of Geothermal Energy
This Annex addresses all aspects of ‘direct use’ technology, with emphasis on improving implementation, reducing costs and enhancing use.