Joint venture to explore geothermal resource in Shiramizu in Kagoshima, Japan
Kirishima Mountains, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan (source: Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
19 Jun 2025
Nittetsu Mining and J-Power have formed a joint venture for the exploration and development of the Shiramizu geothermal prospect in Kagoshima, Japan.
A joint venture company has been founded by Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power) for the exploration and development of geothermal resources in the Shiramizu area in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The newly formed company, Shiramizukoshi Geothermal Power Co., will investigate the geothermal site and is looking towards a 15-MW development.
Based on existing survey data, the geothermal reservoir in Shiramizu hosts acidic thermal fluids. Thus, the developers are anticipating that more precautions will be needed in the design of the power plant facilities. The data is based on the 2024 survey conducted based on the “2024 Geothermal Power Generation Survey” of the Japan Energy and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), as well as research wells by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development (NEDO).
Nittestu Mining is involved in the development and steam supply to the 30-MW Ogiri Power station, located just NW of the Shiramizu area. It has been mentioned that surface thermal manifestations are even more active in Shiramizu compared to the Ginyu area, where the Ogiri power station is located.
J-Power is an established geothermal developer and operator in Japan, with three operational geothermal power facilities in its portfolio.
Source: Nittetsu Mining
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