地熱エネルギーの持続可能な開発(<特集>地熱利用技術の研究開発最前線)

概要

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Geothermal energy is renewable but its sustainability is not self evident. Sustainable development of geothermal energy is essential in geothermal energy utilization. In this paper, sustainable development of geothermal energy was discussed based on the results of repeat gravity measurement at Hatchobaru geothermal field in the southwestern part of Oita Prefecture in Japan. The gravity in the production zone decreased after the commencement of geothermal power generation in the early stage of development but recovered in the later stage. This fact shows that natural recharge of fluids to its geothermal reservoir increased during exploitation. The mass balance in its geothermal reservoir was estimated based on the change in gravity. As a result, sufficient recharge of fluids to its geothermal reservoir was verified quantitatively and therefore stable production of geothermal fluids has been continuing. This means that sustainable development of geothermal energy is realized at the Hatchobaru geothermal field. This is a good example to show the sustainability of geothermal energy.
一般社団法人日本エネルギー学会の論文
2008-10-20