IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/enepol/v61y2013icp1079-1087.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Determining barriers to developing geothermal power generation in Japan: Societal acceptance by stakeholders involved in hot springs

Author

Listed:
  • Kubota, Hiromi
  • Hondo, Hiroki
  • Hienuki, Shunichi
  • Kaieda, Hideshi

Abstract

After many years of stagnant growth in geothermal power generation, development plans for new geothermal plants have recently emerged throughout Japan. Through a literature review, we investigated the relationships between the principal barriers to geothermal development and we thereby analyzed the deciding factors in the future success of such enterprises. The results show that the societal acceptance of geothermal power by local stakeholders is the fundamental barrier as it affects almost all other barriers, such as financial, technical, and political risks. Thus, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 stakeholders including developers, hot spring inn managers, and local government officials. Some hot spring inn managers and local government officials noted that they have always been strongly concerned about the adverse effects of geothermal power generation on hot springs; their opposition has delayed decision-making by local governments regarding drilling permits, prolonged lead times, and caused other difficulties. A key reason for opposition was identified as uncertainty about the reversibility and predictability of the adverse effects on hot springs and other underground structures by geothermal power production and reinjection of hot water from reservoirs. Therefore, we discuss and recommend options for improving the risk management of hot springs near geothermal power plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Kubota, Hiromi & Hondo, Hiroki & Hienuki, Shunichi & Kaieda, Hideshi, 2013. "Determining barriers to developing geothermal power generation in Japan: Societal acceptance by stakeholders involved in hot springs," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 1079-1087.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:61:y:2013:i:c:p:1079-1087
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.084
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421513004394
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.084?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Purkus, Alexandra & Barth, Volker, 2011. "Geothermal power production in future electricity markets--A scenario analysis for Germany," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 349-357, January.
    2. Kaya, Eylem & Zarrouk, Sadiq J. & O'Sullivan, Michael J., 2011. "Reinjection in geothermal fields: A review of worldwide experience," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 47-68, January.
    3. Phillips, Jason, 2010. "Evaluating the level and nature of sustainable development for a geothermal power plant," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(8), pages 2414-2425, October.
    4. Wustenhagen, Rolf & Wolsink, Maarten & Burer, Mary Jean, 2007. "Social acceptance of renewable energy innovation: An introduction to the concept," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 2683-2691, May.
    5. Erdogdu, Erkan, 2009. "A snapshot of geothermal energy potential and utilization in Turkey," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(9), pages 2535-2543, December.
    6. Kelly, Geoff, 2011. "History and potential of renewable energy development in New Zealand," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(5), pages 2501-2509, June.
    7. Ogola, Pacifica F. Achieng & Davidsdottir, Brynhildur & Fridleifsson, Ingvar Birgir, 2012. "Potential contribution of geothermal energy to climate change adaptation: A case study of the arid and semi-arid eastern Baringo lowlands, Kenya," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(6), pages 4222-4246.
    8. Mariita, Nicholas O., 2002. "The impact of large-scale renewable energy development on the poor: environmental and socio-economic impact of a geothermal power plant on a poor rural community in Kenya," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(11-12), pages 1119-1128, September.
    9. Barbier, Enrico, 2002. "Geothermal energy technology and current status: an overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 6(1-2), pages 3-65.
    10. Șerban Georgescu, 2012. "Japan," Conjunctura economiei mondiale / World Economic Studies, Institute for World Economy, Romanian Academy.
    11. Nalan, Çiçek Bezir & Murat, Öztürk & Nuri, Özek, 2009. "Renewable energy market conditions and barriers in Turkey," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(6-7), pages 1428-1436, August.
    12. Stephens, Jennie C. & Jiusto, Scott, 2010. "Assessing innovation in emerging energy technologies: Socio-technical dynamics of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in the USA," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 2020-2031, April.
    13. John W. Lund, 2010. "Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 3(8), pages 1-29, August.
    14. Owens, Susan & Driffill, Louise, 2008. "How to change attitudes and behaviours in the context of energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 4412-4418, December.
    15. Dowd, Anne-Maree & Boughen, Naomi & Ashworth, Peta & Carr-Cornish, Simone, 2011. "Geothermal technology in Australia: Investigating social acceptance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 6301-6307, October.
    16. Raven, R.P.J.M. & Mourik, R.M. & Feenstra, C.F.J. & Heiskanen, E., 2009. "Modulating societal acceptance in new energy projects: Towards a toolkit methodology for project managers," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 564-574.
    17. Chamorro, César R. & Mondéjar, María E. & Ramos, Roberto & Segovia, José J. & Martín, María C. & Villamañán, Miguel A., 2012. "World geothermal power production status: Energy, environmental and economic study of high enthalpy technologies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 10-18.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Spampatti, Tobia & Hahnel, Ulf J.J. & Trutnevyte, Evelina & Brosch, Tobias, 2022. "Short and long-term dominance of negative information in shaping public energy perceptions: The case of shallow geothermal systems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    2. Wang, Yuqing & Liu, Yingxin & Dou, Jinyue & Li, Mingzhu & Zeng, Ming, 2020. "Geothermal energy in China: Status, challenges, and policy recommendations," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    3. Shortall, Ruth & Kharrazi, Ali, 2017. "Cultural factors of sustainable energy development: A case study of geothermal energy in Iceland and Japan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 101-109.
    4. Anastasia Ioannou & Gioia Falcone & Christina Baisch & Georgie Friederichs & Jan Hildebrand, 2023. "A Decision Support Tool for Social Engagement, Alternative Financing and Risk Mitigation of Geothermal Energy Projects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-25, January.
    5. Nadkarni, Kabir & Lefsrud, Lianne M. & Schiffner, Daniel & Banks, Jonathan, 2022. "Converting oil wells to geothermal resources: Roadmaps and roadblocks for energy transformation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    6. McClean, A. & Pedersen, O.W., 2023. "The role of regulation in geothermal energy in the UK," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    7. Li, Kewen & Bian, Huiyuan & Liu, Changwei & Zhang, Danfeng & Yang, Yanan, 2015. "Comparison of geothermal with solar and wind power generation systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 1464-1474.
    8. Liu, Jian & Cheng, Wen-Long & Nian, Yong-Le, 2018. "The stratigraphic and operating parameters influence on economic analysis for enhanced geothermal double wells utilization system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 264-276.
    9. Höffken, Johanna I., 2014. "A closer look at small hydropower projects in India: Social acceptability of two storage-based projects in Karnataka," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 155-166.
    10. Irie, Noriko & Kawahara, Naoko, 2022. "Consumer preferences for local renewable electricity production in Japan: A choice experiment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 1171-1181.
    11. Maung Aung Myoe, 2015. "Myanmar’s China Policy since 2011: Determinants and Directions," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(2), pages 21-54.
    12. Taghizadeh-Hesary, Farhad & Mortha, Aline & Farabi-Asl, Hadi & Sarker, Tapan & Chapman, Andrew & Shigetomi, Yosuke & Fraser, Timothy, 2020. "Role of energy finance in geothermal power development in Japan," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 398-412.
    13. Irie, Noriko & Kawahara, Naoko & Esteves, Ana Maria, 2019. "Sector-wide social impact scoping of agrivoltaic systems: A case study in Japan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1463-1476.
    14. Matthew S. Winters & Matthew Cawvey, 2015. "Governance Obstacles to Geothermal Energy Development in Indonesia," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(1), pages 27-56.
    15. Solano-Olivares, K. & Santoyo, E. & Santoyo-Castelazo, E., 2024. "Integrated sustainability assessment framework for geothermal energy technologies: A literature review and a new proposal of sustainability indicators for Mexico," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    16. Trencher, Gregory & Healy, Noel & Hasegawa, Koichi & Asuka, Jusen, 2019. "Discursive resistance to phasing out coal-fired electricity: Narratives in Japan's coal regime," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 782-796.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Abbas, Tauqeer & Ahmed Bazmi, Aqeel & Waheed Bhutto, Abdul & Zahedi, Gholamreza, 2014. "Greener energy: Issues and challenges for Pakistan-geothermal energy prospective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 258-269.
    2. Knoblauch, Theresa A.K. & Trutnevyte, Evelina & Stauffacher, Michael, 2019. "Siting deep geothermal energy: Acceptance of various risk and benefit scenarios in a Swiss-German cross-national study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 807-816.
    3. Kim, Ju-Hee & Kim, Hee-Hoon & Yoo, Seung-Hoon, 2022. "Social acceptance toward constructing a combined heat and power plant near people's dwellings in South Korea," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PB).
    4. Gude, Veera Gnaneswar, 2016. "Geothermal source potential for water desalination – Current status and future perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1038-1065.
    5. Romanach, Lygia & Carr-Cornish, Simone & Muriuki, Grace, 2015. "Societal acceptance of an emerging energy technology: How is geothermal energy portrayed in Australian media?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 1143-1150.
    6. Hugo Lucas & Ruth Carbajo & Tomoo Machiba & Evgeny Zhukov & Luisa F. Cabeza, 2021. "Improving Public Attitude towards Renewable Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-16, July.
    7. Zhang, Yu & Zhang, Yanjun & Zhou, Ling & Lei, Zhihong & Guo, Liangliang & Zhou, Jian, 2022. "Reservoir stimulation design and evaluation of heat exploitation of a two-horizontal-well enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in the Zhacang geothermal field, Northwest China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 330-350.
    8. Bayer, Peter & Rybach, Ladislaus & Blum, Philipp & Brauchler, Ralf, 2013. "Review on life cycle environmental effects of geothermal power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 446-463.
    9. Sebestyén, Viktor, 2021. "Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews: Environmental impact networks of renewable energy power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    10. Abolhosseini, Shahrouz & Heshmati, Almas & Altmann, Jörn, 2014. "A Review of Renewable Energy Supply and Energy Efficiency Technologies," IZA Discussion Papers 8145, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    11. Sanchez-Alfaro, Pablo & Sielfeld, Gerd & Campen, Bart Van & Dobson, Patrick & Fuentes, Víctor & Reed, Andy & Palma-Behnke, Rodrigo & Morata, Diego, 2015. "Geothermal barriers, policies and economics in Chile – Lessons for the Andes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1390-1401.
    12. Motasemi, F. & Afzal, Muhammad T., 2013. "A review on the microwave-assisted pyrolysis technique," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 317-330.
    13. Hitzeroth, Marion & Megerle, Andreas, 2013. "Renewable Energy Projects: Acceptance Risks and Their Management," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 576-584.
    14. van Os, Herman W.A. & Herber, Rien & Scholtens, Bert, 2014. "Not Under Our Back Yards? A case study of social acceptance of the Northern Netherlands CCS initiative," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 923-942.
    15. Carbajo, Ruth & Cabeza, Luisa F., 2018. "Renewable energy research and technologies through responsible research and innovation looking glass: Reflexions, theoretical approaches and contemporary discourses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 792-808.
    16. Sengers, F. & Raven, R.P.J.M. & Van Venrooij, A., 2010. "From riches to rags: Biofuels, media discourses, and resistance to sustainable energy technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(9), pages 5013-5027, September.
    17. Yazdanpanah, Masoud & Komendantova, Nadejda & Ardestani, Roshanak Shafiei, 2015. "Governance of energy transition in Iran: Investigating public acceptance and willingness to use renewable energy sources through socio-psychological model," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 565-573.
    18. Bouchra El Houda Lamhamedi & Walter Timo de Vries, 2022. "An Exploration of the Land–(Renewable) Energy Nexus," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, May.
    19. Choi, Jihye & Kim, Justine Jihyun & Lee, Jongsu, 2024. "Public willingness to pay for mitigating local conflicts over the construction of renewable energy facilities: A contingent valuation study in South Korea," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    20. Nian, Yong-Le & Cheng, Wen-Long, 2018. "Evaluation of geothermal heating from abandoned oil wells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 592-607.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:61:y:2013:i:c:p:1079-1087. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/enpol .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.