Workshop n. 3 | From Ground to Grid: Harnessing Geothermal and Bioenergy potential on islands

June 30^th, 2026

Workshop n. 3 | From Ground to Grid: Harnessing Geothermal and Bioenergy potential on islands

Time zone:

AST – 9:00 AM | CEST – 3:00 PM | SCT – 5:00 PM | FJT – 1:00 AM (next day)

Session Expectations

While solar and wind provide flexible, low-cost electricity, their inherent intermittency requires a firm counterbalance to allow stable 100% renewable energy without the prohibitive cost of massive battery storage. For isolated island grids, terrestrial resources – such as geothermal heat and organic waste – can provide this critical, 24/7 baseload power. The primary challenge lies in the accurate assessment of site-specific resources, including mapping subsurface geothermal reservoirs and securing consistent municipal or agricultural waste streams.

This session explores the clean technologies that act as the steady foundation of the island grid, keeping the lights on when the sun sets and the wind stops. Participants will delve into the latest technical progress, grid integration opportunities, and deployment challenges for Geothermal generation and Biomass & Waste-to-Energy systems. Case studies will illustrate how geothermal and bioenergy technologies can transform the island electricity landscape, turning raw terrestrial resources and severe waste burdens into highly reliable energy assets. Beyond mere electricity generation, the session emphasizes the multi-dimensional benefits of these terrestrial assets, from energy security to economic diversification.

Contributors

Gianni Chianetta

Founder & Chair, Greening the Islands Foundation

Marit Brommer

CEO, International Geothermal Association (IGA)

Alba Martín Lorenzo

Geological Sciences, PhD. Geochemist, STEAM S.r.l.

Giacomo Rufo Menghetti

Energy Specialist, Sales Manager Europe & Africa, Geothermal – Exergy

Bharadwaj Kummamuru

Executive Director, World Bioenergy Association (WBA)

Jan Liebetrau

Managing Director, Rytec GmbH

Tobias Wedemeier

Manager Business Development Europe & Central Asia, Caterpillar Inc.

Fiona Kelleher

CEO AmuGreen & MyGug

Session Draft Agenda

Live sessions broadcasted live on GTI Members’ Area

Time	Description
10 min	Welcoming Remarks & Session Objectives Gianni Chianetta – Founder & Chair, Greening the Islands Foundation
	GEOTHERMAL
10 min	Setting the scene Marit Brommer – CEO, International Geothermal Association (IGA)
15 min	Module 3.1: The Role of Geothermal Energy Alba Martín Lorenzo – Geological Sciences, Geochemist, STEAM S.r.l.
10 min	Case Study Giacomo Rufo Menghetti – Sales Manager Europe & Africa, Geothermal – Exergy, Azores Case Study
	BIOENERGY
10 min	Setting the scene Bharadwaj Kummamuru – Executive Director, World Bioenergy Association (WBA)
15 min	Module 3.2: Biogas and Circular Economy Solutions Jan Liebetrau, Managing Director, Rytec GmbH
15 min	Module 3.3: Waste-to-Energy & Biomass Tobias Wedemeier – Manager Business Development Europe & Central Asia, Caterpillar Inc.
10 min	Case Study Fiona Kelleher – CEO AmuGreen & MyGug
25 min	Interactive Q&A

Join the workshop

Target & Eligibility

This workshop is exclusively reserved for technical staff and decision-makers currently employed by island governments or utility companies.
More specifically, admission is strictly limited to:

- Public Sector: Technical officers and officials from Islands’ Administration bodies (including regional and national, in case of subnational islands), Regulators, and Energy Agencies.
- Utilities: Technical staff

Other entities providing technical support to the island’s administrations can be admitted if supported by one of the eligible categories mentioned.
GTI’s Scientific Committee will review all applications to assess eligibility and ensure alignment with the programme’s objectives.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received no later than June 29^th 2026, 5:00 PM CEST.

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Islands’ Administration bodies (i.e., Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure departments)
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Engineering & Technical Operations (Grid, Generation, Maintenance)
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