Mitsubishi Materials Goes Geothermal for Carbon Neutrality
Mitsubishi Materials, a non-ferrous metals company, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through geothermal power. They plan to build a new geothermal plant every three years, starting with the Appi plant in Iwate Prefecture. This plant generates enough electricity to power 26,000 households and reduces the company's reliance on purchased electricity.
Mitsubishi Materials aims to meet all its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050, with 70% coming from geothermal power. They have been generating electricity from geothermal sources for decades, starting with their first plant in Akita Prefecture.
Japan has abundant geothermal resources, but development lags behind other countries. The government is supporting development through feed-in-tariffs and relaxed regulations. However, building relationships with local communities and hot spring operators is crucial.
Mitsubishi Materials' Appi plant showcases environmentally friendly electricity, attracting companies to the area. While some regions have concerns about geothermal development's impact on hot springs, experts like Anna Suzuki emphasize the importance of utilizing domestic geothermal resources for a sustainable future.
With its commitment to geothermal power, Mitsubishi Materials is taking a significant step towards carbon neutrality, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.