Fifty years ago, Japan's first geothermal power plant went online. Now with the world hungrier than ever for renewable energy, the country's decades of experience in the field is presenting a big export opportunity.
This is one reason Japanese companies find themselves in the middle of a rainforest in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra, about an eight-hour drive from the provincial capital of Medan.
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy estimates that in 2030, domestic geothermal power output capacity will reach 1.4 million kW, almost triple the amount today. Although that will amount to a mere 1% of the power produced in the country -- up from the current 0.3% -- it will be a meaningful step forward.
Hopes are growing for Japanese companies to tap not only Southeast Asia but also Latin America. Japanese players are also helping Africa exploit its geothermal resources.
