The three new projects selected for the latest subsidy round under the program are as follows:
Gravity surveys, geochemical surveys, and comprehensive analysis for a geothermal project within the Bandai-Asahi National Park in Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture by Green Power Engineering and IS Holdings.
Geological surveys, geochemical surveys, gravity surveys, electromagnetic surveys, and comprehensive analysis for a geothermal project within the Aso-Kuju National Park in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture by Nishimatsu Construction and Marumat Geothermal.
Surface geological surveys, incidental construction work, and surveys of rare plants and animals and water quality for a geothermal project in Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido by INPEX.
The next three are continuing projects that had already been selected in previous subsidy rounds:
Integrated analysis for a project in the Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido by Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.
Ancillary construction, well drilling, hot spring and river monitoring, and river water quality monitoring in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture by C-Energy Co., Ltd.
Ancillary construction, well drilling, and water and fumarole monitoring in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture by Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd.
The subsidy program aims to reduce the development risks specific to underground resources and promote geothermal resource development efforts in Japan. The program will subsidize expenses required by geothermal resource development businesses and local geothermal-related corporations to carry out surveys to determine the amount of geothermal resources and clarify the underground structure, including surface surveys, well drilling, etc., as approved by JOGMEC.
JOGMEC had previously provided subsidies for geothermal power projects that are now either operating or in the advanced stages of development. Notable examples include the Minami-Kayabe geothermal power plant (operating), the Minami-Aso Yunotani Geothermal Power Plant (operating), the Matsuo Hachimantai geothermal power plant (operating), the Katatsumuri Yama geothermal power plant (under construction), and the Kijiyama geothermal power plant (tentatively named) which is undergoing an environmental impact assessment.
