U.S. Gas Giant Chevron Invests In Niseko Geothermal Project

Niseko is soon to become a testing ground for Japanese advanced geothermal power generation.

On 22 June, Chevron New Energies International and the domestic Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. (MOECO) jointly announced that they are moving ahead with an Advanced Closed Loop (ACL) geothermal technology project as a pilot test program in the Niseko region.

ACL technology works by cycling a working fluid from the surface through a series of underground wells to carry geothermal heat energy back to the surface where it is used to generate electricity.

Its basic design is not unlike a large radiator and as the fluid isn’t exposed, the system doesn’t require extraction of brine (hot water) or steam from underground reservoirs as is the case with traditional geothermal technology.

As such, ACL technology is generally regarded as more reliable, less carbon intensive, gentler on the local environment and, crucially, potentially able to access geothermal resources over a wider variety of geological conditions.

Chevron and MOECO signed a joint collaboration agreement (JCA) in September 2022 to explore the technical and commercial feasibility of new energy technologies and this is the first project to be undertaken under the agreement.

The ACL project site lies in the Annupuri Range, spanning the border of Niseko and Rankoshi near the Chisenupuri Ski Area and the Yukichichibu Onsen.

Sources:
Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. – 22 June 2023
Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. – 26 September 2022
Chevron New Energies International – 22 June 2023

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