Introducing A New, State-Of-The-Art Drilling Rig For Geothermal Power Wells

Large-diameter drilling rig contributes to the promotion of geothermal power generation development and stable operation

J-POWER Hi-TECH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "J-POWER", Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Hitoshi Kanno), has acquired a state-of-the-art large-diameter drilling rig for wells ^*1 required for geothermal power generation surveys and operation. This rig will help the J-POWER Group to promote the stable operation and development of geothermal power generation.

¹ Well: A well drilled for the purpose of exploring, producing, and injecting geothermal resources. By drilling a well, the amount of resources can be confirmed and steam and hot water can be produced and injected for power generation.

Compared to other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, geothermal power generation has the advantage of being able to generate power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather, resulting in a high capacity factor, and with appropriate management of resources and facilities, it is possible to generate power stably for over 40 years.As decarbonization efforts are being actively promoted both domestically and internationally, geothermal power generation is expected to contribute to carbon neutrality as a baseload power source.

Drilling geothermal wells is necessary for surveying, construction, and stable operation after geothermal power generation begins. However, large-diameter drilling rigs are required for this purpose, and only about 10 drilling companies in Japan possess these rigs. Recently, the increasing number of domestic geothermal development projects has led to a tight drilling supply and demand situation, which has led to constraints and delays in geothermal power generation development.

To address this issue, J-POWER Hi-Tech Corporation, which has a proven track record in geothermal well drilling, owns a state-of-the-art large-diameter drilling rig. By collaborating with Osanai Suigen Kogyo Co., Ltd., which has expertise in geothermal well drilling, we are establishing a stable drilling system. This will ensure a stable supply chain for geothermal well drilling for the J-POWER Group's new geothermal power generation business and the operation of existing sites. In the future, we will also be able to drill at sites outside our group, contributing to the promotion of geothermal power generation development and stable operation in Japan.

J-POWER is working on the development of geothermal power generation in order to balance the stable supply of electricity in Japan with addressing the issue of climate change. The J-POWER Group will continue to contribute to the stable supply of electricity and take on the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality as set out in J-POWER's "BLUE MISSION 2050," announced in February 2021.