The geothermal exploration campaign in Rusutsu was announced by HEPCO in partnership with Obayashi Corporation in April 2024. The project site is located within the village near the southern foot of Mt. Shiribetsu.
With the exploration well now in place, the developer will conduct tests to determine if there is the well has sufficient temperature and flowrate to support electricity generation. The effect on surrounding hot springs, as well as the habitat of wild birds, will also be evaluated. These tests are expected to be completed by February 2025, at which point HEPCO will determine if the project can be commercial.
Elsewhere in Hokkaido, INPEX has announced that geothermal exploratory drilling will be done at the town of Shibetsu after conducting extensive surveys for geothermal potential in the region.
