popular articles

INPEX launches geothermal drilling in Shibetsu, Hokkaido

INPEX begins exploratory geothermal drilling in Shibetsu, Hokkaido, after extensive studies, to develop new energy sources.
Forages exploratoires géothermiques INPEX.

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Geothermal energy could meet 15% of the global electricity demand by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. This potential relies on cost reductions and increased technological adoption.
To reduce its dependency on Russian gas, the European Union is betting on geothermal energy, a renewable and local solution. This strategic lever aims to strengthen its energy sovereignty and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized future.
To reduce its dependency on Russian gas, the European Union is betting on geothermal energy, a renewable and local solution. This strategic lever aims to strengthen its energy sovereignty and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized future.
Austin Energy partners with Exceed Energy Inc. to develop a 5 MW geothermal pilot project near Nacogdoches, Texas. This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability and reliability of the power grid, with operations expected to begin in 2025.
Austin Energy partners with Exceed Energy Inc. to develop a 5 MW geothermal pilot project near Nacogdoches, Texas. This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability and reliability of the power grid, with operations expected to begin in 2025.
The Indonesian geothermal energy developer, Star Energy Geothermal, partners with Kyndryl to integrate generative artificial intelligence and cloud technologies into its operations, aiming for better efficiency and a strengthened energy transition.
The Indonesian geothermal energy developer, Star Energy Geothermal, partners with Kyndryl to integrate generative artificial intelligence and cloud technologies into its operations, aiming for better efficiency and a strengthened energy transition.
The Canadian government supports the geothermal project led by the Acho Dene Koe First Nation, aiming to reduce diesel usage and stimulate economic development in the Northwest Territories.
Ormat Technologies will partner with Contact Energy to build a 101 MW geothermal power plant in New Zealand, a key project that supports the national zero-emissions goal and strengthens Ormat's market position.
Ormat Technologies will partner with Contact Energy to build a 101 MW geothermal power plant in New Zealand, a key project that supports the national zero-emissions goal and strengthens Ormat's market position.
Sinopec connects its first geothermal power production project in China to the grid, marking progress in clean energy integration and helium extraction, a strategic resource for various industrial sectors.
Sinopec connects its first geothermal power production project in China to the grid, marking progress in clean energy integration and helium extraction, a strategic resource for various industrial sectors.
The Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project by the Fort Nelson First Nation aims to produce up to 15 MWe of sustainable energy for the Fort Nelson region, marking a strategic investment for energy independence.
The Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project by the Fort Nelson First Nation aims to produce up to 15 MWe of sustainable energy for the Fort Nelson region, marking a strategic investment for energy independence.
With its vast geothermal resources, Alaska is positioning itself as a strategic pillar for the US energy policy in the Indo-Pacific, supporting key regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines with sustainable and local production.
The $43 million funding granted by Japan for the Chachimbiro geothermal project marks a key step for Ecuador’s energy diversification strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's autonomy and the stability of its electricity supply.
The $43 million funding granted by Japan for the Chachimbiro geothermal project marks a key step for Ecuador’s energy diversification strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's autonomy and the stability of its electricity supply.
Colombia is intensifying the development of geothermal energy to diversify its energy mix. The country is relying on public-private partnerships and favorable regulations to attract the necessary investments.
Colombia is intensifying the development of geothermal energy to diversify its energy mix. The country is relying on public-private partnerships and favorable regulations to attract the necessary investments.
Magma Power LLC is awarded a patent for an innovative technology that extracts magmatic heat for energy production, with applications in energy-intensive industries.
Magma Power LLC is awarded a patent for an innovative technology that extracts magmatic heat for energy production, with applications in energy-intensive industries.
Geothermal energy in the Paris region, which has been well established since the 1980s, is proving to be a reliable and economical solution for district heating, limiting dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring long-term price stability.
AFPG and Enerplan join forces to promote the coupling of solar thermal and geothermal energy in France. This initiative aims to optimize the use of renewable energies, thereby reinforcing the energy transition and national energy sovereignty.
AFPG and Enerplan join forces to promote the coupling of solar thermal and geothermal energy in France. This initiative aims to optimize the use of renewable energies, thereby reinforcing the energy transition and national energy sovereignty.
X-Caliber Rural Capital is providing $100 million in financing for Fervo Energy's geothermal project in Utah, designed to deliver 400 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2028.
X-Caliber Rural Capital is providing $100 million in financing for Fervo Energy's geothermal project in Utah, designed to deliver 400 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2028.
Tsuchiyu Onsen, a Japanese region renowned for its hot springs, is implementing a strategy to integrate geothermal production into its tourism sector, illustrating a local energy management model.
Tsuchiyu Onsen, a Japanese region renowned for its hot springs, is implementing a strategy to integrate geothermal production into its tourism sector, illustrating a local energy management model.
INA - Industrija nafte d.d. launches seismic surveys in northern Croatia to identify geothermal and hydrocarbon resources as part of its energy diversification strategy.
Stadtwerke München receives 43.9 million euros from the BEW program to extend Munich's geothermal heating network, covering a significant part of the project costs.
Stadtwerke München receives 43.9 million euros from the BEW program to extend Munich's geothermal heating network, covering a significant part of the project costs.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is putting 220,000 acres of land up for sale in Nevada to intensify geothermal exploration, boosting renewable energy production.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is putting 220,000 acres of land up for sale in Nevada to intensify geothermal exploration, boosting renewable energy production.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited has inaugurated an experimental 20 kW geothermal power plant in Telangana, marking a major step forward for renewable energy in India.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited has inaugurated an experimental 20 kW geothermal power plant in Telangana, marking a major step forward for renewable energy in India.
India is turning to geothermal energy to diversify its sources of renewable energy. Singareni Collieries Company Limited has already set up a 20 kW pilot plant in Manuguru, Telangana.
Whitebark Energy uses revenues from Wizard Lake in Canada to fund geothermal and hydrogen initiatives in Australia, underlining a transition to renewable energies.
Whitebark Energy uses revenues from Wizard Lake in Canada to fund geothermal and hydrogen initiatives in Australia, underlining a transition to renewable energies.
Exergy International and RentCo Africa Limited sign agreement to add 67 MWe of geothermal capacity in Olkaria, Kenya.
Exergy International and RentCo Africa Limited sign agreement to add 67 MWe of geothermal capacity in Olkaria, Kenya.
SLB and Ormat Technologies join forces to provide complete geothermal energy solutions, aimed at reducing project risks and improving profitability.
SLB and Ormat Technologies join forces to provide complete geothermal energy solutions, aimed at reducing project risks and improving profitability.

Advertising