INPEX to drill geothermal exploratory well in Okuhida Onsengo, Gifu, Japan

Okuhida Onsengo Kansaka, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (source: alonfloc, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) has announced plans to drill an exploratory well for geothermal development in the Kansaka area of the Okuhido Onsengo district in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Drilling operations are expected to commence by the end of 2024.

Located at the foot of the Northern Alps in the NE part of Gifu Prefecture, extensive surface and geophysical surveys done by INPEX in the project site have indicated the presence of geothermal resources.

The Okuhida Onsengo district serves as an example of the successful co-existence of geothermal power plants with more traditional direct-use applications such as thermal baths and onsens. The district already has several operating geothermal power plants, some of which are located right next to bath facilities or greenhouse operations.

If the exploratory drilling operations result in the discovery of geothermal resources in sufficient quantities to warrant the development of the project, this is expected to contribute to the expansion of INPEX’s geothermal business in alignment with the company’s net zero ambitions.

INPEX seeks to enhance and emphasize its renewable energy initiatives, which are one of the 5 net zero businesses outlined in the company’s “INPEX Vision @2022” announced in February 2022. INPEX will accelerate its initiatives aimed at its geothermal power generation business, which can utilize the technologies cultivated by the company through oil and natural gas development.

Source: INPEX