Japan’s hot-spring resorts are blocking geothermal energy plants
The use of geothermal energy to generate electricity is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable and sustainable energy source. The Nakao Geothermal Power Plant, located in Okuhida Onsengo in snowy northern Japan, is an example of how geothermal resources are being harnessed for electricity generation.
Geothermal power plants work by tapping into the natural heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface in the form of hot water and steam. In areas with geothermal activity, such as Okuhida Onsengo, this hot water and steam can be extracted from underground reservoirs and used to drive turbines, which, in turn, generate electricity.
In the case of the Nakao Geothermal Power Plant, the plant began utilizing steam from the hot springs in December to generate electricity. This process involves directing the steam to drive turbines, which, as mentioned, can produce a maximum output of almost two megawatts (MW) of electricity. This output is significant enough to supply electricity to approximately 4,000 households, making it a valuable contribution to the local power grid and the region’s energy needs.
Geothermal energy is considered a renewable and sustainable energy source because it relies on the Earth’s natural heat, which is continuously replenished by geothermal processes. Moreover, geothermal power plants typically have a smaller carbon footprint compared to fossil-fuel-based power plants, as they produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Japan’s geothermal potential is considerable, with over 100 active volcanoes and an estimated geothermal resource of 23 gigawatts, equivalent to the output of 23 nuclear reactors. However, as you mentioned, the development of geothermal energy has been limited, and it currently accounts for just 0.3% of Japan’s electricity supply.
Despite having the third-largest geothermal potential in the world, after the United States and Indonesia, Japan ranks tenth in terms of geothermal power generation. This situation represents a significant missed opportunity for the country, especially considering its heavy dependence on imported energy and its commitment to decarbonize its economy by 2050.
Expanding geothermal energy production could offer several benefits to Japan’s energy landscape and its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal power plants are a reliable and renewable energy source that operates continuously, providing a stable base load of electricity without the intermittency issues that renewable sources like solar and wind may have.
By tapping into its vast geothermal potential, Japan could reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy security by utilizing indigenous resources, and make substantial progress towards its climate goals. Additionally, investing in geothermal projects could create jobs and stimulate economic growth in regions with geothermal resources.
However, the development of geothermal energy faces certain challenges, including high upfront costs for exploration and drilling, as well as regulatory and technical hurdles. Geothermal projects require significant initial investments, and finding suitable sites with adequate geothermal reservoirs can be a complex process.
To fully harness its geothermal potential, Japan would need to address these barriers, offer incentives for geothermal development, streamline permitting processes, and encourage private investment in the sector. By doing so, Japan can unlock a valuable and sustainable energy source that aligns with its climate goals and reduces its dependence on imported energy.
The coexistence of geothermal power plants and the onsen (hot spring) industry presents a significant obstacle to geothermal development in Japan. While geologists believe that geothermal plants are unlikely to negatively affect hot springs, the onsen industry remains unconvinced and raises concerns about the potential impact on their businesses.
Hot springs are an essential part of Japan’s cultural heritage and a major draw for tourism, attracting around 130 million visitors annually. The onsen industry is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and hot spring resorts play a vital role in the country’s tourism sector. As a result, the industry wields considerable influence, and their reluctance to support geothermal development can create hurdles for energy companies seeking to exploit geothermal resources.
For geothermal power plants to be established, they require the consent and cooperation of local communities, including hot spring resort operators. If the onsen industry withholds consent for geothermal development in an area, it can deter the government from pushing forward with such projects due to the potential political and economic repercussions.
The government’s reliance on hot springs for tourism revenue can create a dilemma. On one hand, investing in geothermal energy could help Japan achieve its energy and climate goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security. On the other hand, the potential impact on the onsen industry and the risk of losing hot springs, a significant tourism asset, can make the government cautious about forcefully pushing for geothermal development.
To address this issue, a delicate balance needs to be struck between the interests of the onsen industry and the benefits of geothermal energy development. This could involve engaging in dialogues with onsen operators to address their concerns, conducting thorough studies to demonstrate that geothermal plants would not harm hot springs, and offering incentives or compensation to communities that may be affected by geothermal projects.
Finding common ground and fostering understanding between the stakeholders, including the government, energy companies, and the onsen industry, would be crucial to unlock Japan’s vast geothermal potential while preserving its cultural heritage and tourism assets.
there are several other obstacles that hinder geothermal development in Japan. Some of the key challenges include:
- Location in National Parks: Approximately 80% of Japan’s geothermal reserves are located within national parks or protected areas, which presents regulatory and environmental challenges. Balancing the need for energy development with the preservation of natural landscapes and ecosystems is a complex task.
- Mountainous Terrain: Japan’s mountainous topography makes geothermal exploration and drilling more difficult and costly. Accessing geothermal reservoirs in remote and rugged areas can pose logistical and engineering challenges.
- Complex Geology: Japan’s underground geology is relatively complex, with layers of hard rock that can make drilling for geothermal resources more challenging and expensive compared to countries with more straightforward geology.
- Small and Scattered Power Stations: Unlike some countries with geothermal power production, where large, well-connected power stations are common, Japan’s geothermal power plants tend to be smaller and scattered across different locations. This decentralization can make it more challenging to integrate geothermal energy into the national power grid efficiently.
- Diligent Effort Required: Developing geothermal energy in Japan requires diligent efforts from both the public and private sectors. It involves conducting thorough geological surveys, exploring potential sites, and investing in advanced drilling technologies.
Despite these challenges, Japan recognizes the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable and sustainable resource. With the country’s commitment to decarbonizing its economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, there is increasing interest in overcoming these obstacles to harness geothermal power more effectively.
Addressing the regulatory, technical, and environmental hurdles will require collaboration between government, energy companies, local communities, and environmental organizations. By adopting innovative approaches and investing in research and development, Japan can tap into its promising geothermal resources and make substantial progress towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.
Japan’s response to the oil crisis in the 1970s and the subsequent “Sunshine Project” demonstrated the nation’s ability to overcome challenges and promote alternative energy sources, including geothermal power. With enough political will and determination, Japan has shown that barriers to geothermal development can be surmountable.
The “Sunshine Project” was a significant initiative aimed at diversifying Japan’s energy mix and reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Under this project, the government actively supported research, development, and deployment of various renewable energy sources, including solar, hydrogen, and geothermal energy.
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), established in 1980, played a crucial role in assessing and promoting geothermal potential across the country. The nationwide assessment of geothermal resources helped identify suitable locations for geothermal power plants and paved the way for the construction of dozens of such power stations by the late 1990s.
By building these geothermal power stations, Japan significantly increased its geothermal generating capacity, adding over 500 megawatts (MW) to its energy infrastructure. This effort demonstrated how proactive government policies and investments can lead to tangible progress in the development of renewable energy sources.
Japan’s experience with the “Sunshine Project” serves as a positive example of how determined government initiatives and support can drive the growth of renewable energy sectors like geothermal power. By drawing from this historical success and applying it to the present energy transition goals, Japan can further tap into its vast geothermal potential and accelerate its efforts to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
The Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in 2011 significantly changed the energy landscape in Japan, leading to a renewed interest in geothermal energy as a viable alternative. The public’s growing concerns about nuclear power’s safety and environmental impact drove Japan to reassess its energy strategy, and geothermal power emerged as a promising option.
With a goal to reduce its dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels, Japan now aims to triple its geothermal output by 2030. Businesses and local governments are actively considering more than 50 potential sites for new geothermal power plants across the country.
To achieve this ambitious target, the Japanese government is looking towards next-generation geothermal technologies. One of these technologies is supercritical geothermal, which involves drilling deep wells to access ultra-hot fluids. This cutting-edge approach could significantly increase the efficiency and output of geothermal power plants, making them more competitive in Japan’s energy mix.
Collaborating with other countries, including the United States, allows Japan to benefit from shared knowledge and experiences in geothermal research and development. The recent agreement between Japan and the US on geothermal projects reflects a global effort to advance geothermal technologies and expand their deployment.
By leveraging next-generation geothermal technology, Japan envisions that geothermal energy could potentially provide more than 10% of its total energy needs. This would mark a substantial contribution to the country’s efforts to achieve a more sustainable and diversified energy future.
As geothermal energy gains traction and international cooperation fosters advancements in geothermal technology, it can become a more significant part of Japan’s energy portfolio and contribute to the country’s long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a greener, more resilient energy system.
In the short term, conventional geothermal plants offer a viable way for Japan to reduce its carbon emissions. The process of developing geothermal plants is gradually becoming more accessible, with recent efforts to shorten the timeline for environmental assessments from over a decade to eight years. Easing rules on developing national park land has also facilitated geothermal development in certain areas.
Moreover, some geothermal energy producers, like Cenergy operating the Nakao plant, are finding innovative ways to address objections from the onsen industry and local communities. By piping hot water extracted from the geothermal plant to nearby onsen, both parties can benefit in what is considered a “win-win” situation. This kind of collaboration between geothermal energy producers and traditional businesses like onsen owners helps foster greater acceptance and interest in geothermal energy solutions.
The productive cooperation between geothermal plants and local onsen is leading to creative thinking about using the hot waters for other purposes. For example, some local residents are using the geothermal heat to grow tropical fruits like bananas and dragon fruit, showcasing the versatility and potential of geothermal energy beyond electricity generation.
The prospect of using geothermal resources to power local businesses, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce carbon emissions sparks enthusiasm and dreams among stakeholders like onsen owners. Geothermal energy’s potential to foster economic growth, enhance energy security, and contribute to Japan’s climate goals makes it an appealing and promising renewable energy option.
By leveraging innovative approaches, fostering cooperation with local communities, and continually improving geothermal technologies, Japan can harness the full potential of geothermal energy and move closer to achieving its sustainable energy objectives while nurturing economic and environmental benefits for the nation.
