The two companies had filed a request to Unzen City to conduct a geothermal resource survey, invoking the “Unzen City Ordinance Concerning the Protection and Utilization of Geothermal Resources.” On 10 May 2023, consent for the survey was granted based on the report of the Unzen City Geothermal Resources Protection and Utilization Council.
Proposed survey area in Unzen City, Nagasaki, Japan (source: Kyushu Electric)
According to an attachment provided by Kyushu Electric, the two companies are planning to conduct magnetic and gravity surveys within the prospect area, as well as a monitoring of the hot springs. The aim for these surveys is to develop a better understanding of the subsurface geology and structures.
Kyushu Electric owns and operates several geothermal power plants in Japan. In 2022, the company kicked off the construction of a geothermal power station in the northeastern area of Mt. Eboshi, situated in Kirishima City, Kagoshima.
