Geothermal Energy Use and Its Related Technology Development in Japan

Abstract

Japan has national targets to intensify the geothermal power generation. The government gives several fiscal incentives for geothermal development and R&D through the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Beside short-termed target by 2030, Japan has a long-term target by 2050. Therefore, the R&D also has a short-term target to develop the conventional hydrothermal systems effectively with improved technologies and a long-term target to develop supercritical geothermal resources at a depth of volcanic region. The latter covers from basic scientific investigation to highly technological innovation. In contrast, ground source heat pump (GSHP) has been promoted by the private sectors supported mainly by the Ministry of Environment (MOE). A topical research work on the ground source heat pump in Japan is suitability mapping for both closed-loop and open-loop systems based on studies of groundwater flows. The detailed situation and research activities for both geothermal power generation and ground source heat pump will be discussed in this paper.