Strengthening geothermal partnership in Japan
We were delighted to have reconnected with our partners at the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in another successful visit to Tokyo yesterday.
This visit marks another exciting chapter in our mutual commitment to advancing geothermal energy technologies and sustainability.
Deepening our partnership
Leading yesterday’s visit, our Chief Executive, Chelydra Percy, and Yoshifumi Imamura, GNS Japan Country Manager met with JOGMEC’s Mr. Ichiro Takahara (Chairman & CEO), Mr. Kenichi Takahashi (Executive Vice President, Renewable Energy Business Unit), Mr. Hidekatsu Nakamura (Director General, Geothermal Business Department), Mr. Toshiaki Kayaba (Director, Overseas Business Division, Geothermal Business Department), and Mr. Yoshiaki Harashima (Deputy Director, Overseas Business Division, Geothermal Business Department).
The discussions highlighted the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities in geothermal development in both Japan and New Zealand.
GNS is committed to continue to help Japan triple its geothermal capacity to 1.6GW by 2050 by providing the unique expertise we developed through growing New Zealand’s own geothermal resources.
Chelydra Percy expressed her appreciation, “It is an honor to be here in Tokyo and to engage with JOGMEC’s esteemed leadership. Our collaboration has been crucial in pushing the boundaries of geothermal science and technology. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Takahara and Mr. Takahashi for their warm hospitality and for this opportunity to deepen our partnership.”
GNS Science’s collaborative relationship with JOGMEC began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015 and was renewed in 2020.
By combining our expertise, we can drive innovations that will have a significant impact on the geothermal sector and beyond.
Our story so far...
Since the inception of our partnership, GNS Science and JOGMEC have worked together on a series of impactful projects and training programs, which have significantly contributed to the advancement of geothermal resource management and sustainability:
- JOGMEC-GNS Science Workshop: Focused on the overview and challenges of geothermal power generation in both countries (June 2, 2016, Tokyo).
- Geothermal Projects and Hot Springs/Geysers Workshop: Addressed sustainable geothermal resource development (November 20-21, 2017, Rotorua, and Taupō).
- Mechanisms of Acidic Geothermal Fluid Generation Workshop: Explored the complexities of geothermal fluid generation (December 10, 2018, Tokyo).
- Advanced Geothermal Resource Development Training Course: Delivered cutting-edge methodologies and simulation tools for geothermal engineering (September 10-14, 2018, Tokyo).
- Advanced Geothermal Geology Training Course: Offered advanced insights into geothermal geology (February 10-14, 2020, Taupō and Auckland).
- Online Seminar on Carbon Neutrality and Geothermal: Discussed the role of geothermal energy in achieving carbon neutrality (December 10, 2021).
- Online Training Course on Target Site Selection for Geothermal Drilling: Focused on site selection techniques for drilling operations (September 6-7, 2022).
- Geothermal Geochemistry Training Course: Emphasized advanced geochemical methods (November 18-21, 2023, Taupō).
“Our collaboration with JOGMEC has been instrumental in developing new survey methodologies, enhancing geothermal reservoir management, and fostering human resource development. The knowledge and insights gained from our joint workshops and training courses have been invaluable in driving forward our mission to generate knowledge that enables people and economies to thrive in a changing world,” added Chelydra.
During the recent visit, discussions centered around the potential for deeper collaboration in geothermal energy. Mr. Takahara, Chairman & CEO of JOGMEC, expressed a strong interest in visiting New Zealand to explore further opportunities.
We are excited about the future and the possibilities our collaboration with JOGMEC holds.
Chelydra Percy concluded, “Our partnership with JOGMEC is vital for navigating the complexities of geothermal development and environmental sustainability in both countries. By combining our expertise, we can drive innovations that will have a significant impact on the geothermal sector and beyond. We are excited about the future and the possibilities our collaboration holds.”