12 Geothermal Projects Win Subsidies in Japan

On August 26, 2003, Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced the winning projects under its fiscal 2003 subsidy program for geothermal power development. The organization will subsidize 12 projects, including five for drilling of production wells and three for injection wells at seven existing geothermal power plants.

To ensure a stable supply of energy and reduce CO2 emissions as a measure to protect the global environment, efforts are needed to introduce new energy, and the development of geothermal energy resources as a domestic and renewable power source in Japan is seen as indispensable. The exploitation of geothermal energy resources, however, involves long lead times from development to operation, large investments, and high development risks.

The subsidy program for geothermal development provides partial subsidies for projects designed to construct geothermal power plants, including the drilling of wells for exploration, production and injection, and the installation of steam pipes by electric power companies, energy developers, prefectural bureaus of public enterprises, and the owners of private electrical power facilities.



Posted: 2003/11/10 09:32:22 AM
Japanese version