Researcher(s):
Keith Morency
ENVS course(s): 499 Initiated: April 2014 Completed: August 2014 Go to project site
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The disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant in March 2011 drastically altered Japan's energy future. Although it has the third highest geothermal potential in the world, many of Japan's geothermal resources are already being used by hot spring resorts (onsen). Many of the owners of these resorts are opposed to development of their hot spring resources for electricity generation purposes. However, there are a few onsen that have decided to invest in small-scale generators. This project is asking what the extent of Japan's investment in geothermal energy is, as well as how developers can improve acceptance of geothermal energy. Through preliminary research, participant observation, interviews, facility tours, I hope to uncover different perspectives on this debate from within the Japanese government, as well as see whether initial attempts at developing onsen resources have been effective/could be replicable. I found that the government is reluctant to invest in large-scale geothermal projects, as they take a long time to build and are very expensive. However, direct use applications of hot spring water at an onsen in Niigata Prefecture that is using a small-scale generator have proven to reduce resistance to geothermal development. Because the entire community benefits from increased tourism and lower fuel costs, they have allowed the government to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the generator. Direct-use applications of hot spring water in conjunction with small-scale generators appear to be a marketable model for geothermal development that could be replicated in other onsen communities throughout Japan.