GNS and Geo40 increase geothermal presence in Japan

The new Japan-based office will support a New Zealand geothermal coalition between GNS and New Zealand geothermal innovation company, Geo40. Its opening coincided with New Zealand’s first major trade mission since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The expansion in Japan comes as the energy sectors of both countries sharpen their focus, as governments grapple with how they can meet changing demands for energy, without causing irreversible impact to the environment. 

Japan is estimated to have the third largest source in the world of geothermal energy beneath its surface, capable of producing around 23,470 megawatts. With only twenty or so geothermal plants operating in Japan, outputting around 535 MW, the country has vast opportunities for expansion. 

In three short years, the Japanese Government’s renewable energy target – which includes wind and solar – has increased from 22-24% renewable to 36-38% renewable by 2030. More than 60 geothermal plants are required to help expand their mix of energy generation. With an average cost of each geothermal plant at around $200million USD, identifying exactly where to build and drill requires some complex science.

The new Japan-based office will support a New Zealand geothermal coalition between GNS and New Zealand geothermal innovation company, Geo40. Both parties have shared interests and provide complementary services.

With support from Geo40, their world-first commercial-scale plant can recover high-value minerals from geothermal fluids to get value out of by-products such as silica. This is used in everything from papermaking to permeation grouting and could also help sustainably source low-carbon lithium for electric transport in the future.

Back home, GNS Science will continue to focus on modelling, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and other work to unlock even more out of our geothermal resource. Our Wairakei location is the nexus for solving industry challenges around geothermal energy and brings together leading researchers, industry partners and key stakeholders, including central and local government and iwi Māori.

“If we are going to meet our climate commitments, and help our global partners meet theirs, it is vital that we invest in research, science, innovation and technologies that can drive that success,” Dr Burnell says.

New Zealand’s recently released Emissions Reduction Plan supports the transformation of New Zealand’s energy sector, of which fossil fuel currently powers 60 percent. In Japan, fossil fuel accounts for 88 percent, driving its ambitious programme to reduce or eliminate its reliance on fossil fuels and emissions from their energy system.