Disaster Spurs Moves to Find Fresh Sources of Energy (Financial Times)
Despite all the challenges, Japan could become the next frontier in innovative energy efficiency and renewable technologies. The feed-in tariff law, which came in on July 1, has kick-started opportunities for public and private investment in five areas: solar, wind, geothermal, mini-hydro, and biogas/biomass.
Geothermal, however, will take 10 years of negotiating with hot spring interest groups, who fear drilling will deplete spring reserves and ruin tourism. Some of the biggest geothermal resources are in national parks, requiring a relaxing of restrictions. Japan’s estimated geothermal generating capacity could reach 23.5GW, the equivalent of 20 nuclear plants.
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