Japan selects Yuzawa for first geothermal frontier site
Yuzawa, Japan (Source: Flickr, CC, by: Rudy Herman)
Alexander Richter
18 Nov 2025
Japan has named Yuzawa City in Akita as the first site of the Geothermal Frontier Project, where JOGMEC will carry out drilling and fumarolic surveys.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) have launched the Geothermal Frontier Project to address long-standing barriers to geothermal development. These include high exploration risk, long timelines, complex permitting rules and limited access to promising sites within natural parks.
Yuzawa City has been confirmed as the first candidate site for the programme. JOGMEC will conduct drilling surveys and fumarolic tests in designated areas and share data with operators. The agency will also take over completed wells at the request of developers, reducing upfront risk and cost.
Focus on resource surveys and local coordination
The project aims to enable development in high potential areas, many of which are inside natural parks where almost 80 percent of Japan’s geothermal resources are located. Alongside survey work, the government plans to support coordination with local stakeholders and streamline communication between developers and communities.
JOGMEC notes that survey results will be made available to operators to support decision making and reduce uncertainty in early stage development.
Yuzawa’s long history with geothermal utilisation
Yuzawa City, known as the City of Geothermal Energy, has a long record of geothermal use. The Kaminodai and Wasabizawa geothermal power plants are already operating, and two new projects are under construction within the Kurikoma Quasi National Park.
Local authorities have actively promoted geothermal utilisation for decades, combining resource development with community engagement. The selection of Yuzawa as the first frontier site aligns with this experience and provides a foundation for new projects.
A representative statement from JOGMEC emphasises the government’s intention to reduce exploration risk and expand geothermal deployment across the country. It also signals support for the ongoing construction of new plants in the region.
