Idemitsu and Inpex to Conduct Geothermal Development Survey

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Idemitsu Kosan Co., a Japanese petroleum company, and Inpex Corp., a Japanese oil and gas exploration and production company, announced on June 22, 2011, that they would conduct a joint survey for geothermal power generation in the Amemasudake area of Hokkaido and the Oyasu area of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has already conducted a preliminary survey to promote geothermal power generation in both areas, identifying the possibility of geothermal power generation with underground temperature of over 200 degrees Celsius. Idemitsu, together with Inpex will conduct research on the business feasibility at both areas through surface exploration, including geological, gravitational and magnetic surveys.

Idemitsu has been focusing on geothermal power as an alternative energy resource for oil since the 1978 oil crisis. Since 1996, its subsidiary has been producing a stable supply of geothermal steam for Takigami Power Plant operated by Kyushu Electric Power Co., with a generation capacity of 27,500 kilowatts. Idemitsu intends to develop the two areas based on their experience with Takigami Power Plant.

At the same time, Inpex has been running global projects on oil and natural gas exploration and development at more than 70 sites in 26 countries. One of the company's growth strategies is the development and supply of various energy sources, and this led to their participation in the joint survey. Furthermore, the company expects to find new business potential in the survey, particularly through the exploration of underground resources, as it can make use of the know-how from its core business.

Sumitomo Completes Construction of Geothermal Power Station in New Zealand (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/030336.html
Current Status and Future Prospects of Geothermal Energy Use in Japan
http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/029640.html

Posted: 2011/10/11 06:00:15 AM