TOKYO - Two Japanese companies, Idemitso Kosan Co. and Inpex Corp. agreed to initiate a study of geothermal energy development together. As one of the renewable energy sources in the area Amemasudake (Akaigawa and Sapporo, which is controlled and supplied from Hokkaido) and Oyasu area (Yuzawa, which is controlled and supplied from Akita).
New Energy Development is reportedly enliven and activated in Hokkaido andAkita
The joint research is planned this year include geological surveys, gravity surveys and electro-magnetic surveys. Both these regions have previously been investigated by the Technology and Industrial Development Organization New (NEDO), where they found that geothermal energy can be developed.
NEDO confirm the feasibility of generating electricity in geothermal sources in these areas originated from the discovery that the soil temperature exceeds 200 degrees Celsius. If the results of research between Idemitsu and Inpex proves true that the Hokkaido and Akita have a high potential in geothermal energy development, then a further study will be conducted. So that was reported by Japan Today, Thursday (06/23/2011).
Idemitsu has initiated the development of geothermal energy business since 1978, as one of alternative energy sources after the oil crisis, and through the Idemitsu Oita Geothermal Co., a subsidiary of Idemitsu. Currently the supply of geothermal steam for Takigami Power Station (Kokonoe, Oita) is owned by the Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.. Idemitsu aims to expand geothermal energy development by fully utilizing the knowledge and experience.
Meanwhile, Inpex is currently carrying out the exploitation of natural gas and oil more than 70 development projects in 26 countries. In this study, Inpex fully utilize the knowledge and experience accumulated through the development of oil and gas exploration activities, such as evaluation and drilling technology under the surface. Inpex continue to seek business opportunities in the field of new energy business and strive to become a company that offers a form of energy diversification.
