Japan again turns to geothermal energy to replace nuclear power

BY

JOHN MAX

 – OCTOBER 7, 2012POSTED IN: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, FEATURED NEWS, INTERNATIONAL, POLITICAL, RESEARCH

Geothermal energy could solve some of the country’s energy problems

Geothermal energy has long been a promising prospect in Japan. The country’s proximity to the geological region known as the Ring of Fire makes it home to vast potential in regards to geothermal energy systems. In the wake of the Fukushima disaster of 2011, the country has been working to phase out its use of nuclear energy. Nuclear power once accounted for the majority of the country’s energy, which the Japanese government is now keen toreplace with other forms of clean energy.

Government believes country holds more than 20 GW of geothermal potential

The Japanese government believes that the country has more than 20 gigawatts of energy potential in terms of geothermal energy. The country already boasts of 17 geothermal power plants, which collectively produce some 535 megawatts of electricity. A massive geothermal project is currently underway in the Fukushima Prefecture to prepare for the ultimate closure of nuclear power facilities in the region. Nine other projects are currently in development, but have run into a significant problem that could put a stop to Japan’s geothermal energy plans.