Superhot Rock Energy Project

The Japan Supercritical Geothermal Project (SCGP) aims to demonstrate superhot rock (SHR) energy by 2040, with planned drilling between 2021 and 2027. The project targets five locations—Niseko, Yuzawa, Appi, Kuju, and Kakkonda—aiming for depths of 3,000-4,000 meters, temperatures of 350-500°C, and pressures exceeding 22.0 MPa. These sites are characterized by various volcanic and metamorphic basement rocks resulting from the subduction of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates. The Japanese government has identified supercritical geothermal power generation as a key technology within its Green Innovation Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

• The Japan Supercritical Geothermal Project (SCGP) intends to begin drilling pilot holes by 2024 and achieve a demonstration of superhot rock (SHR) energy by 2040.
• Five specific well locations—Niseko, Yuzawa, Appi, Kuju, and Kakkonda—are planned for drilling between 2021 and 2027, each targeting depths of 3,000-4,000 meters, temperatures between 350-500°C, and pressures above 22.0 MPa.
• The project targets diverse geological conditions, including metamorphic basement, granites, and basalts, with recent efforts specifically focusing on reservoir creation in granites under supercritical conditions.
• Superhot rock energy, also known as supercritical geothermal power generation, was designated in 2021 as a key technology for Japan's Green Innovation Strategy to support economic growth and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Superhot Rock Energy Project. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/25212950/CATF_SHRProjectFactsheet_SCGPJapan.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Superhot Rock Energy Project. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/25212950/CATF_SHRProjectFactsheet_SCGPJapan.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Superhot Rock Energy Project |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/25212950/CATF_SHRProjectFactsheet_SCGPJapan.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendsuperhot, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Superhot Rock Energy Project}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/25212950/CATF_SHRProjectFactsheet_SCGPJapan.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }