The application of the UN’s flagship framework for sustainable resource classification (UNFC) reached a new milestone with the decision by Queensland, Australia, to legislate application of UNFC to geothermal energy. 

Queensland’s Geothermal Energy Regulation 2022 includes the UNFC Geothermal Specifications for classifying and reporting geothermal energy resources. It was approved by the Governor in Council in Brisbane and came into effect on 1 September 2022.  

The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) developed under the auspices of UNECE is a universally applicable scheme for the sustainable management of all energy and mineral resources. The framework ensures harmonized decision-making on technical feasibility, socio-environmental concerns, and the commercial potential of projects to develop resources. 

The UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management (EGRM) encourages decision-makers and stakeholders to focus and align regional and international efforts towards sustainable production and use of natural resources. EGRM and its various sub-groups support policymakers to implement sustainable resource management through supplementary guidance, frameworks, and trainings on all energy sources around the world. 

“Queensland’s mandate marks a giant leap to attain harmonized international standards in geothermal energy and facilitate the improvement of global communication in the geothermal sector as part of the larger energy sector. I hope others follow their lead to attain sustainable resource management in an era of climate and energy crises” said Professor Gioia Falcone, Chair of the EGRM Geothermal Sub-Group and Chair of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) UNFC Ad Hoc Committee.  

“UNECE would like to thank the IGA for its continued development of texts for the application of UNFC to geothermal energy, and the Queensland Government for leading the way in mandating harmonized geothermal management based on UNFC. Application of UNFC helps attain climate objectives and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We stand ready to support countries to apply and legislate UNFC as a key tool to help deliver sustainable resource management” said Charlotte Griffiths, Acting Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division.  

Read more about the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources Geothermal Specifications