All elementary and high schools in Hachimantai, Japan now 100% powered by geothermal

The Matsuo-Hachimantai geothermal power plant, Hachimantai, Iwate, Japan (source: Hachimantai Geopower)

Geothermal power use in Hachimantai, Japan has grown further, now supplying 100% of electricity needs of elementary and junior high schools.

Geothermal power coverage in the city of Hachimantai in Iwate Prefecture, Japan has now expanded to supply the electricity needs of 14 elementary and junior high schools in the city, as well as the Harrow International School Appi Japan. Thus, 100% of the electricity consumption of these schools now come from geothermal power.

Geothermal power in Hachimantai is supplied by two power plants – the 7.4-MW Matsuo-Hachimantai geothermal power plant and the 14.9-MW Appi geothermal power plant. The Matsuo-Hachimantai plant, in operation since 2019, is under Hachimantai Geopower, a regional power company funded by the city of Hachimantao, Urban Energy, Corporation, The Bank of Iwate Ltf., Kita-Nippon Bank, and Moriokoa Shinkin Bank. The Appi geothermal power plant is newer, having just started commercial operations last year.

Aside from schools, geothermal power is now supplied to 78 facilities in Hachimantai including the City Hall and local businesses, such as the Hachimantai Resort. The combined capacity of the two power plants is equivalent to the electricity needs of about 40,000 households.

Hachimantai as a geothermal town

In line with promoting the benefits of geothermal energy, the city of Hachimantai runs a “Geothermal Exploration Team” program every year. This allows childen to learn more about geothermal energy by visiting geothermal facilities and the industries that rely on geothermal power.

As Kashiwadai Elementary School principal Atsushi Yamamura says, “Just using electricity makes it difficult for children to see geothermal energy as a local asset. By smelling the hot springs and actually learning about jobs that rely on geothermal power, the children have an opportunity to cherish their hometown as a ‘geothermal town.’”

Source: Iwate News and Hachimantai Resort