Taisei Corporation launches CO2 geothermal power feasibility study

Taisei Corporation has launched a feasibility study for the social implementation of “carbon recycle CO2 geothermal power technology” in collaboration with Geothermal Technology Development Co., Ltd. The project, funded by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), aims to utilize CO2 as a heat medium instead of water to extract energy from underground high-temperature strata.

This next-generation technology addresses several long-standing bottlenecks in Japan’s geothermal sector. While Japan holds the world’s third-largest geothermal resources, its actual power generation capacity remains low. Traditional methods often face opposition from local hot spring operators due to concerns over water depletion and quality changes. By using CO2 rather than groundwater, this method seeks to mitigate conflicts with local communities and expand viable development sites.

Additionally, the technology offers a dual benefit: the injected CO2 can be partially sequestered as carbonate minerals within the geological formations, contributing to carbon fixation. This initiative represents a strategic shift for major construction firms looking to move from traditional contracting toward sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy leadership.