Significance and Methodology of Geothermal Resource Potential Survey in Japan

Abstract

While Japan is blessed with high geothermal energy potential, many areas remain unsurveyed due to the mountainous landscape of Japan and the environmental regulation regarding national parks. In these areas, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) conducts airborne geophysical surveys (gravity, electromagnetic, magnetic) and heat-flow drilling surveys in order to understand the geological structure. The data obtained through these surveys is provided to geothermal resource developers as well as local governments in order to reduce exploration risks and promote their further survey for geothermal resource development.
In addition to these surveys, from this year, JOGMEC starts implementing surface geophysical surveys (gravity, magnetotelluric) and deeper drilling survey for identifying geothermal fluids in order to acquire more detailed subsurface information. By conducting these surveys, JOGMEC hope to reduce the exploration risk and contribute to the further geothermal resource development.