The status of geothermal utilization in Japan

Abstract

This paper includes the use of geothermal energy for curing sicknesses at hot springs, convalescent and recreational resorts, agriculture and secondary industries in Japan, intentionally excluding the geothermal utilization for electric power generation. Reference is made to the history of bathing at hot spring sites since ancient times in Japan. Also added are, the distribution of hot springs in Japan, the definition thereof based upon the «Hot Spring Lawå, and the classification of hot springs according to chemical composition. The rapid increase of the use of geothermal waters for curing, convalescent and recreational purposes by so many people is truly surprising, and probably there is no country other than Japan, where hot springs are in close contact with the -people. According to the statistical data, approximately 150 million people visit hot spring sites annually. The utilizations for agriculture, fisheries and secondary industries are as yet few. In particular, there is little utilization of geothermal energy for heating of buildings, cooking, etc. In this paper, we have described the typical examples of use for horticulture, animal breeding and secondary industries, many of which are studied by special research organizations formed by local autonomies, because such utilizations largely depend upon regional characteristics. The larger the scale of geothermal power generation, the more important the problem of the utilization of hot waste water for the above-mentioned purposes. Since it is expected that the efficiency of such hot waste water utilization should contribute much to regional developments, it is considered necessary to accelerate geothermal electric generation particularly in Japan.