Japan holds the third-largest geothermal potential in the world after America and Indonesia, but ranks tenth in terms of geothermal power generation
Japan’s sprawling and influential onsen industry is the main obstacle to geothermal development. Though many geologists reckon there is little chance of geothermal plants negatively affecting bathing pools , the onsen industry is unconvinced.
With enough political will, none of these barriers is insurmountable, however, as Japan demonstrated in its response to the oil crisis of the 1970s. Back then it launched an initiative, known as the “Sunshine Project”, to promote alternative energy sources, including solar, hydrogen and geothermal. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation , a government institution established in 1980 as part of this effort, conducted a nationwide assessment of geothermal potential.
To that end, the government is also eyeing next-generation geothermal technology. Japan and America recently signed an agreement to collaborate on geothermal projects, including on research for supercritical geothermal—which involves drilling deep wells to access ultra-hot fluids. NEDO is working on a pilot project for supercritical geothermal and aims to commence large-scale power generation by 2050.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The push to bring insulin prices down in AmericaMore than 8m Americans depend on insulin to survive. Pharma firms are lowering prices—but not all patients are able to grab a bargain
Read more »
August Wilson was and remains a bard of black life in AmericaThe blues, thought August Wilson, “is the best literature black Americans have”. He harnessed the music’s raw vitality for the stage
Read more »
Japan’s ageing society is finding creative ways to dispose of its deadA new craze for funeral planning is disrupting the way Japanese think and speak about their demise
Read more »
Baby Eels Remain One of America's Most Valuable Fish After Strong Year in MaineFishermen in the U.S.’s only commercial-scale fishing industry for valuable baby eels once again had a productive season searching for the tiny fish. Baby eels, called elvers, are often worth more than $2,000 per pound because of how valuable they are to Asian aquaculture companies. That makes them one of the most valuable fish species in the U.S. They’re raised…
Read more »