U.S. and Japan sign MOC to cooperate on geothermal energy
Signing of MOC between U.S. and Japan represented by Secretary of Energy Granholm and Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura (source: Video screenshot / Yasutoshi Nishimura via Twitter
Carlo Cariaga
17 Apr 2023
A Memorandum of Commitment has been signed between the U.S. and Japan to cooperate on research, development, and exchange of information on geothermal projects.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura have signed an agreement for the two countries to collaborate on research, development, and exchange of information on geothermal projects in the U.S., Japan, and other countries.
The memorandum of commitment was signed at the sidelines of the meeting of the energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) that took place in the City of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. The U.S. and Japan had previously already agreed to cooperate in projects involving nuclear power, natural gas, carbon capture and storage, and other efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
Both countries are major contributors to the global geothermal industry, with the U.S. leading in terms of installed capacity and Japan in the 10th position.
According to a study done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the geothermal resources in Japan can provide up to 90% of the country’s power generation requirements. However, efforts to develop geothermal for power generation have been slowed by spas and resorts that have become a vital element of the Japanese culture. A recent article we published highlights how geothermal tourism and geothermal power production can co-exist, with both industries benefitting from the relationship.
Source: News Times and Yashitoshi Nishimura via Twitter
