INPEX Corporation (INPEX) has announced the launch of an exploratory drilling campaign for geothermal resources in the town of Shibetsu, located on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. The project site is located in the Sempo area, west of Shibetsu, near Mount Musa-dake. Drilling is scheduled to begin by 2027.
This initiative follows detailed studies carried out by INPEX after the “Selection of Operators for the Musadake Region Geothermal Survey”. Surface, geophysical and preliminary drilling studies have confirmed the presence of geothermal resources in the Sempo area. This project is part of Japan’s drive to develop the geothermal sector.
INPEX Development Strategy
The geothermal development at Shibetsu is part of INPEX’s energy expansion strategy. In line with the company’s strategic vision “INPEX Vision @ 2022”, INPEX, in partnership with Idemitsu Kosan and MOECO, has already carried out studies and drilling at the Amemasudake geothermal site in Hokkaido, and has acquired stakes in geothermal projects in Indonesia.
Hokkaido Prefecture is a hotbed of geothermal development in Japan. At the beginning of the year, two geothermal power plants were commissioned in Hokkaido: the MORI binary geothermal power plant (2MW) and the Minami-Kayaba geothermal power plant (6.5MW). At the same time, Chevron and MOECO are testing advanced geothermal technologies in the Niseko region.
Sales outlook
The Shibetsu drilling project represents a strategic opportunity for INPEX to explore and potentially develop new sources of geothermal energy. Confirmation of the geothermal resources at Sempo could lead to further investment and expansion of geothermal power generation in Japan, strengthening INPEX’s position in the energy market.
The involvement of major companies such as INPEX, Idemitsu Kosan, MOECO and Chevron in these projects highlights the growing importance of geothermal energy. Investment in geothermal technology and associated infrastructure is essential to diversify energy sources and ensure reliable production.
The development of geothermal projects in Hokkaido and elsewhere underlines the company’s commitment to investing in sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions. These initiatives can potentially pave the way for an increase in energy capacity and a reduction in dependence on traditional energy sources.
