Tokyo Buildings to Run on Geothermal Energy via Landmark Power Purchase Agreement
In a move towards sustainable energy, three office buildings in Tokyo will soon be powered by geothermal energy, thanks to a newly established off-site corporate power purchase agreement (PPA). Real estate firm Tokyo Tatemono has partnered with Nippon Steel Engineering and Kyuden Mirai Energy to source renewable energy for its properties, marking a meaningful step in reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
details of the Geothermal Power agreement
The agreement ensures that three key buildings managed by tokyo Tatemono will receive geothermal power sourced from Kyuden Mirai’s existing geothermal plants. Nippon Steel Engineering will act as the retail electricity supplier, facilitating the delivery of this clean energy.
Did You Know? Geothermal energy is sourced from the Earth’s internal heat, providing a consistent and reliable power source, unlike solar or wind power which are intermittent.
The buildings benefiting from this PPA include:
- Tokyo Tatemono Yaesu Building (Chuo Ward, Tokyo)
- Tokyo Tatemono Yaesu Sakuradori Building (chuo Ward, Tokyo)
- Osaki Center Building (Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo)
Environmental Impact and Energy Supply
The initiative is projected to supply approximately 900 MWh of electricity annually, leading to an estimated reduction of 360 tons of CO2 emissions each year. This aligns with Tokyo’s broader goals to enhance sustainability and combat climate change. Furthermore, solar power will supplement the geothermal supply during daylight hours, creating a diversified renewable energy portfolio.
The geothermal power will be sourced from Kyuden mirai’s four operational plants:
- Hatchobaru Power Station (110 MW)
- Takigami Power Station (27.5 MW)
- Yamakawa Power Station (30 MW)
- Ogiri Power Station (30 MW)
Kyuden Mirai is also developing a new 5-MW geothermal plant in Kirishima, further expanding its renewable energy capacity Renewable Energy Magazine.
The Rise of Corporate PPAs in Japan
This agreement follows Kyuden Mirai’s recent wholesale auction for geothermal electricity and a previous PPA with Panasonic, highlighting the increasing adoption of corporate PPAs in Japan. These agreements allow companies to secure long-term renewable energy supplies and reduce their carbon footprint.
Pro Tip: Companies considering a PPA shoudl carefully evaluate the energy provider’s reliability, the project’s environmental impact, and the long-term cost benefits.
Geothermal energy: A Sustainable Solution
Geothermal energy offers a stable and consistent renewable energy source, crucial for meeting the demands of urban centers like Tokyo. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal power plants operate continuously, providing a baseload power supply that complements other renewable sources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Electricity Supply | 900 MWh |
| annual CO2 reduction | 360 tons |
| Number of Buildings Powered | 3 |
| Geothermal Plants Supplying power | 4 |
The Future of Geothermal Energy in Urban Environments
As cities worldwide strive to reduce their carbon emissions, geothermal energy is emerging as a viable and sustainable solution. The consistent power output and minimal environmental impact make it an attractive option for urban areas seeking reliable renewable energy sources. The success of this PPA in Tokyo could pave the way for similar initiatives in other cities, accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future. According to the Geothermal energy Association, geothermal power plants have an average capacity factor of over 90%, substantially higher than other renewable sources geothermal Energy Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geothermal Energy
- What are the benefits of using geothermal energy?
- Geothermal energy is a renewable, reliable, and consistent energy source with a small environmental footprint.It can provide baseload power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- How does geothermal energy work?
- Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth’s interior to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. This process can also be used for direct heating and cooling applications.
- Is geothermal energy expensive?
- The initial investment for geothermal power plants can be high, but the long-term operating costs are relatively low due to the free and abundant nature of geothermal resources. Technological advancements are also reducing the upfront costs.
- Where is geothermal energy available?
- Geothermal resources are found worldwide, especially in areas with volcanic activity or tectonic plate boundaries. Countries like Iceland, the United States, and Indonesia are leading producers of geothermal energy.
- What are the challenges of using geothermal energy?
- Challenges include the location-specific nature of geothermal resources, the potential for induced seismicity, and the need for careful management of geothermal reservoirs to ensure long-term sustainability.
What other renewable energy sources do you think Tokyo should invest in? How can cities encourage more corporate PPAs?
Share your thoughts and help us shape the future of sustainable energy!
