Potential Installed Thermal Power from Direct-Use Geothermal Energy in Japan

Abstract

This paper attempts to estimate the potential installed thermal power from direct us geothermal energy in Japan. This has been accomplished by computing the heat energy from only existing thermal springs distributed over the country, under the presumption that no new geothermal wells have been drilled. Since the Japanese enjoy natural baths, direct use geothermal energy in Japan is required to coexist with bathing. The potential installed thermal power is estimated at 2,797.46 MWt under some conditions for coexistence and co prosperity with bathing. However, some disqualifying factors and the average load factor may reduce this value to 530 MWt. This still is about five times larger than present use of thermal energy, which is 104.69 MWt. The oil saved will also rise to 0.35 percent of national consumption.