UNU-GTP and Hebei Geo University sign an institutional agreement
On 2 November, the representatives of UNU-GTP and Hebei Geo University (HGU) signed an institutional agreement on cooperation in Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province, China. Through the agreement, the two entities will endeavor to establish a cooperative relationship encompassing academic study and research opportunities, exchange of information and any other collaborative activities that are seen as mutually beneficial. The signing ceremony took place at HGU following a seminar and forum on the establishment of a geothermal science and utilization program at the university. The programme is to start operation after the university has been relocated to its new green campus, presently being constructed on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang. Geothermal energy will play a prominent role on campus, providing space heating and more.
There is considerable potential for increasing geothermal utilization in Hebei and other provinces in China, in particular for space heating. As such, geothermal energy has the potential of offsetting carbon dioxide emissions and smog if used in place of heating by coal. This has been recognized by the Chinese Government in its 13th 5-year plan. However, in order to scale up the use of geothermal resources, academic programs are needed for talent-building. HGU has now taken the first step in establishing such a program and UNU-GTP congratulates it on this milestone.
Further information (in Chinese) can be found here.