J-Power Hytec Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER) has acquired a state-of-the-art large-diameter drilling rig for wells for geothermal power generation. The new rig will strengthen the J-POWER Group’s efforts to ensure stable operation and advance the development of geothermal power generation facilities.
Geothermal power generation offers distinct advantages over other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. It can operate around the clock, 365 days a year, unaffected by weather conditions, achieving high-capacity factors. With proper management of resources and equipment, geothermal plants can deliver long-term, stable power output for over 40 years. As decarbonisation efforts grow both globally and domestically, geothermal power is expected to help support the transition to carbon neutrality as a baseload power source.
Drilling geothermal wells (Well means boreholes drilled to survey, produce, and reinject geothermal resources. Wells are used to confirm resource volumes and to produce and reinject steam and hot water for power generation.) is crucial for exploration, construction, and stable plant operations after a geothermal power plant goes online. However, geothermal well drilling requires large-diameter drilling rigs, and only about ten companies in Japan possess such equipment.
