Local Gov't Studies Feasibility of Hot Spring Power Generation

Copyright Shizuoka Prefecture

In February 2011, the Public Enterprise Agency of Shizuoka Prefecture conducted a feasibility study on the introduction of geothermal power generation to the Izu area, a well-known hot spring resort in Japan. This project is intended to promote the use of local energy resources such as heat from hot springs, thereby improving the energy independence of the region. The bureau hopes this project will help enhance the image of the area and attract more tourists.

In recent years, the binary-cycle system has become increasingly common for geothermal power generation. This system conveys the thermal energy of hot water to a secondary fluid with a low boiling point to produce vapor, which then drives a turbine to generate power. This generation system also allows for power generation that utilizes the thermal energy of hot spring water. The project will offer local businesses many advantages: the water passing through the heat exchanger remains warm enough to be used for bathing or heating rooms; there is no danger of hot spring depletion; and energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions will both be reduced.

According to analyses on temperature and flow volume of spring source water as well as the expected power generation capacity, Izu has several promising locations for hot spring power generation. To realize the project, however, more detailed analyses are needed, and government policies on subsidies, power purchasing and deregulation will play a key role. The business entities allowed to implement this project will also be discussed further.

Hot Spring Power Generation Experiment to be Conducted in Niigata (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/030123.html

Posted: 2011/07/29 06:00:15 AM