September 20, 2013 – Joint Study for Geothermal Energy Development in Fukushima, Japan
INPEX CORPORATION is pleased to announce that as a member of the Fukushima Geothermal Project Team INPEX will commence a joint study for geothermal energy development starting from late September this year at the Bandaisan area in Bandai Asahi National Park, Fukushima Prefecture.
The Fukushima Geothermal Project Team is comprised of ten companies: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., INPEX CORPORATION, Sumitomo Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Geothermal Energy Research & Development Co., Ltd., Japan Metals & Chemicals Co., Ltd., Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.
1. Area of the Study
The Bandaisan area in Bandai Asahi National Park (Bandai town, Inawashiro town, Kitashiobara village, all these municipalities belonging to Yama gun, located in the piedmont of Mt. Bandaisan), Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
In addition to the above piedmont area of Mt. Bandai, the Azuma Adatara area, Fukushima Prefecture, is also considered the future study area for which discussions are continued with local communities.
2. Outline of the Study
The joint study includes the following surveys for the initial phase. These surveys will not affect the environment or hot springs in the area:
Survey for hot spring sources, geochemical analysis of fluids: Observation, sampling and analysis of hot spring water and ground water
Survey for geological alteration zones: geological surface survey for the areas surrounding the Bandaisan area and sampling of adequate size of rocks
Micro-seismicity survey: Installation of sensors to detect and record micro- earthquakes
Environmental research: Impacts on social environment (laws and regulations etc.) and natural environment (landscape, fauna and flora etc.)
Public Relations Group, Corporate Communications Unit
Akasaka Biz Tower, 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6332 JAPAN
3. Schedule of the Study
The Initial phase of the study will be conducted in the fiscal year 2013. Once we confirm geothermal potential in these areas based on the result of the initial study, we will move on to the second phase of the study in the fiscal years 2014-2015 with the consent by the local communities secured.
Media Contact: INPEX Tokyo Office, Public Relations Group, Tel) +81-3-5572-023
