the new future of energy, realized by heat utilization

Renewable Heat and Unutilized Heat

The new future of energy, realized by heat utilization

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization

※Renewable Portfolio Standard

Since the Great East Japan earthquake, Japanese energy policies are

in need of a major transition. Therefore, expectations for renewable

energy, which is non-CO₂ emitting and domestically produceable,

are dramatically rising.

The ratio of renewable energy resources of primary energy supply

has been globally expanding. The EU set a goal to increase their

ratio of renewable energy to at least 27% by 2030, based on a

directive issued in 2018. In the United States, the RPS* is accelerat-

ing the introduction of renewable energy. As of 2018, solar heat is

approved in 14 states, and geothermal heat is approved in 12 states

as renewable energy. Also, China announced in their 13th Five-Year

Plan that they will expand the solar heat collection area to 800

million sq. m. and establish a support system for ground source heat

utilization. Countries around the world are formulating mid-to-long

term strategies for a carbon neutral society, with increasing utiliza-

tion of geothermal heat (ground source) and solar heat.

According to the energy supply and demand structure in Japan,

although energy consumption is mainly non-electric heat, the ratio

of direct heat usage is small. The 5th Strategic Energy Plan decided

by the cabinet in 2018 also calls for a more efficient heat utilization

to increase the energy utilization efficiency. By working on cutting

costs, renewable heat is anticipated to play an important role as a

financially well-balanced decentralized energy system. Well

regulated use of renewable heat is essential for a diversified efficient

energy supply and demand structure. However, utilization of renew-

able heat is still uncommon. This is because renewable heat is not

widely known yet, implementation costs are high, not enough

people can operate the business, and the business is not profitable

due to low demand. It is important to not only solve these problems,

but also take advantage of regional characteristics and work on heat

utilization for the dissemination of renewable heat. Therefore,

NEDO develops renewable heat utilization technology and attempts

to spread the use of renewable heat in various ways.

Renewable Heat Utilization Around the World Diversifying the Energy Supply and Demand Structure by Effectively Utilizing Renewable Heat

Renewable Heat and Unutilized Heat

The new future of energy, realized by heat utilization.

CONTENTS

1995

14,617 23,275

87,503

200,149

325,028

600,000600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

02000 2005 2010 2015

Am

oun

t o

f en

erg

y (T

j / y

)

2020

Source: Totaled by Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan based on Lund et. al. (2020)

To a Carbon Neutral Society

That Effectively Utilizes Renewable Heat

02

NEDO Project To Open Up Renewable Heat

04

SPECIAL TALK

06

The Future of Energy Realized

by Ground Source Heat Pump SystemHokkaido UniversityProfessor, Director of International Exchange Office of Faculty of Engineering

NEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentHeat Utilization Group Project Manager

Nagano Katsunori Ph.D. Taniguchi Satoko

Utilization of Non-Utilized Heat Activated by the Use of Renewable Heat

REPORT -From NEDO Energy Conservation Technology Department -

18

Development Projects

NEDO PROJECT

10

12

Operator Interview

R&D Story to Practical Use

1. Japan Groundwater Development Co., Ltd. Katsuragi Masahiko, Yamaya Mutsumi2. YBM Co., Ltd. Okubo Hiroaki, Matsuo Hideyuki3. Moriya Corporation Nakamura Mitsuaki 4. OYO Corporation Takeshima Junya 5. Geo-Research Institute Kitada Naoko6. Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co. Ishikami Takashi

“I Support the Dissemination of the Outcome”

MESSAGE

19

NPO Geo-Heat Promotion Association of JapanChief Director Sasada Masakatsu

Subsidy System

Source: Created by NEDO based on the FY2020 Annual Report on Energy by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

Energy consumption by use (2018)

Heater25%

Air-conditioner3%

Power,lights, etc.

34%Hot water

29%Kitchen9%

Heater16%

Others4%

Air-conditioner13%

Power,lights, etc.

43% Hot water16%Kitchen

8%

Heat demand Heat demand57% 45%

Energy source (2018)

3%Renewable heat Renewable

heat 0.6%

Electricity54%

Gas19%

Petroleum24%

Coal or others0.3%

Town gas22%

LPG10%

Coal or others0.003%

Kerosene16%

Electricity51%

While the heat demand is high, the ratio of renewable heat utilization is low.

As energy transduction is being required worldwide, interest in renewable heat, an alternative

of fossil fuel that leads to the decrease of fossil fuel consumption, has been growing.

NEDO promotes the development of an energy technology that realizes a carbon neutral soci-

ety through research and development of renewable heat.

500

400

300

200

100

0

Source: Created by NEDO based on REN21 “Global Status Report 2020”

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 20192018

With permeable bodyWithout permeable body

203242

285

330

374409

435456

472 482 479

Inst

alle

d c

apac

ity (G

Wth

)

02 03Renewable Heat and Unutilized Heat

NEDO began its project to expand the use of renewable heat in

2011. The project “Research project of calorimetric measurement

technique of renewable energy” in 2011-2013 established a method

to measure heat utilization of ground source, solar, and snow and ice

heat used as evidence for green certificates.

In 2014, Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as

Renewable Energy, the first project exclusively for renewable heat,

started. This project that lasted until 2018 achieved the goal of

cutting the entire cost by 20% by developing the technology behind

cutting installation costs, increasing system efficiency, especially

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system and creating a potential

map for GSHP.

The current focus is on further cost-cutting to disseminate indepen-

dent use of renewable heat, establishing implementation technolo-

gies, as well as improving market environment, such as competition

among companies, investment to technology development led by

private enterprises, and realization of mass production.

Furthermore, Research and Development for Total Cost Reduction

of Heat Utilization as Renewable Energy has been begun since

2019. Among the research and development targets, “Cost Reduc-

tion Technology Development for GSHP System” develops excava-

tors, ground heat exchangers, and heat pumps, controls a system that

aims for the application to ZEB* and so on, and improves evaluation

and quantification technologies, while “Technology Development

for the Advancement of Solar Heat Utilization System” develops

and validates optimization technology to manage various systems

using renewable heat, centralized in solar heat and hot spring heat.

In 2020, a new research topic “Development of a Common Funda-

mental Technology for Advancement and Cost Reduction” was

added. This research topic develops necessary technologies for the

optimization of underground heat utilization system design as a

common fundamental technology, in particular, assumption and

evaluation of apparent thermal conduction rate, Thermal Response

Test, and design tools.

Moreover, renewable heat requires technology from various types

of industries. Aiming to reduce the total cost by at least 30%

(payback period less than eight years), a consortium of companies

related to system installation from upstream to downstream was

formed, and NEDO is developing technology to optimize role-shar-

ing between companies.

NEDO works toward the realization of a carbon neutral society by

efficiently utilizing and disseminating renewable energy, such as

geothermal heat (ground source) and solar heat that exist in nature.

Renewable heat is a heat source that can be permanently used, for

instance, geothermal heat, solar heat, biomass heat, hot spring heat,

water-related heat (river water heat, sea water heat, sewage heat),

and aerothermal heat.

Aiming for a 30% reduction of total cost for further dissemination and marketing

※Abbreviation of Net Zero Energy Building

NEDO Project To Open Up Renewable HeatDevelopment of renewable heat technology by NEDO that will change

the future of Japanese energy policies

Renewable heat

■ The 3rd Strategic Energy Plan (2010) 　 Geothermal heat (ground source) appears for the first time

■ The 4th Strategic Energy Plan (2014) 　 Defined renewable heat for the first time　 The importance of renewable heat was written　 Improving heat efficiency leads to energy utilization efficiency, 　 therefore it is necessary to enhance measures for that.

■ The 5th Strategic Energy Plan (2018)

2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 20232014 2019

Used to cool agricultural products and rooms by saving snowfall during the winter and ice created by cold air as cold source until next summer.

Used for heaters and hot water supply by directly burning biomass fuel, such as woody chips that are organic substances originated from animals and plants and sewage sludge.

Heat utilization

Power generation

Boiler

Biomass

Used for air-conditioners by exchang-ing heat at 10-200m depth which is constant at all times with outside air and heat medium.

Used for hot water supply and heaters by collecting solar energy that generates heat energy to raise water and air temperature.

In order to contribute to the resolution of social issues, NEDO formulates technolo-

gy strategies and project plans and, as part of its project management, establishes

project implementation frameworks by combining the capabilities of industry,

academia, and government. NEDO also promotes technology development by

carrying out, evaluating, and allocating funding to promising projects to accelerate

the practical

appl icat ion

of project

results.

Positioning of NEDO as an Innovation Accelerator

Evidence forpolicy makingEvidence forpolicy making

https://www.nedo.go.jp/

Framework developmentand operationFramework developmentand operation

Assessment,allocation of fundingAssessment,allocation of funding


NEDO began its project to expand the use of renewable heat in

2011. The project “Research project of calorimetric measurement

technique of renewable energy” in 2011-2013 established a method

to measure heat utilization of ground source, solar, and snow and ice

heat used as evidence for green certificates.

In 2014, Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as

Renewable Energy, the first project exclusively for renewable heat,

started. This project that lasted until 2018 achieved the goal of

cutting the entire cost by 20% by developing the technology behind

cutting installation costs, increasing system efficiency, especially

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system and creating a potential

map for GSHP.

The current focus is on further cost-cutting to disseminate indepen-

dent use of renewable heat, establishing implementation technolo-

gies, as well as improving market environment, such as competition

among companies, investment to technology development led by

private enterprises, and realization of mass production.

Furthermore, Research and Development for Total Cost Reduction

of Heat Utilization as Renewable Energy has been begun since

2019. Among the research and development targets, “Cost Reduc-

tion Technology Development for GSHP System” develops excava-

tors, ground heat exchangers, and heat pumps, controls a system that

aims for the application to ZEB* and so on, and improves evaluation

and quantification technologies, while “Technology Development

for the Advancement of Solar Heat Utilization System” develops

and validates optimization technology to manage various systems

using renewable heat, centralized in solar heat and hot spring heat.

In 2020, a new research topic “Development of a Common Funda-

mental Technology for Advancement and Cost Reduction” was

added. This research topic develops necessary technologies for the

optimization of underground heat utilization system design as a

common fundamental technology, in particular, assumption and

evaluation of apparent thermal conduction rate, Thermal Response

Test, and design tools.

Moreover, renewable heat requires technology from various types

of industries. Aiming to reduce the total cost by at least 30%

(payback period less than eight years), a consortium of companies

related to system installation from upstream to downstream was

formed, and NEDO is developing technology to optimize role-shar-

ing between companies.

NEDO works toward the realization of a carbon neutral society by

efficiently utilizing and disseminating renewable energy, such as

geothermal heat (ground source) and solar heat that exist in nature.

Renewable heat is a heat source that can be permanently used, for

instance, geothermal heat, solar heat, biomass heat, hot spring heat,

water-related heat (river water heat, sea water heat, sewage heat),

and aerothermal heat.

Aiming for a 30% reduction of total cost for further dissemination and marketing

※Abbreviation of Net Zero Energy Building

NEDO Project To Open Up Renewable HeatDevelopment of renewable heat technology by NEDO that will change

the future of Japanese energy policies

Renewable heat

■ The 3rd Strategic Energy Plan (2010) 　 Geothermal heat (ground source) appears for the first time

■ The 4th Strategic Energy Plan (2014) 　 Defined renewable heat for the first time　 The importance of renewable heat was written　 Improving heat efficiency leads to energy utilization efficiency, 　 therefore it is necessary to enhance measures for that.

■ The 5th Strategic Energy Plan (2018)

2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 20232014 2019

Used to cool agricultural products and rooms by saving snowfall during the winter and ice created by cold air as cold source until next summer.

Used for heaters and hot water supply by directly burning biomass fuel, such as woody chips that are organic substances originated from animals and plants and sewage sludge.

Heat utilization

Power generation

Boiler

Biomass

Used for air-conditioners by exchang-ing heat at 10-200m depth which is constant at all times with outside air and heat medium.

Used for hot water supply and heaters by collecting solar energy that generates heat energy to raise water and air temperature.

In order to contribute to the resolution of social issues, NEDO formulates technolo-

gy strategies and project plans and, as part of its project management, establishes

project implementation frameworks by combining the capabilities of industry,

academia, and government. NEDO also promotes technology development by

carrying out, evaluating, and allocating funding to promising projects to accelerate

the practical

appl icat ion

of project

results.

Positioning of NEDO as an Innovation Accelerator

Evidence forpolicy makingEvidence forpolicy making


Framework developmentand operationFramework developmentand operation

Assessment,allocation of fundingAssessment,allocation of funding




Taniguchi　Professor Nagano has been

chief of the evaluation committee for

“Research and Development for Total Cost

Reduction of Heat Utilization as Renew-

able Energy” since 2019, after being part

of the “Research and Development for

Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy”

from 2014-2018. How did you start your

research on GSHP system?

Nagano　It all began 38 years ago, from

my graduation thesis on underground heat

storage. My supervisor, Professor Ochifu-

ji, commenced the research when learned

about “seasonal heat storage in the

ground,” a technology that was being

boomed in Europe and North America. As

a student of Hokkaido University, I also

studied seasonal heat storage combined

with a heat pump unit during those times.

Although I began working for a private

enterprise after completing graduate

school, I returned to Hokkaido University

as an assistant professor, and had an

opportunity to take part in the IEA

(International Energy Agency) ECES

(Energy Conservation through Energy

Storage) Annex8 activities, which Japan

was also a member of. I carried out a

research on the heat transfer performance

of horizontal spiral heat exchangers at the

same time.

From Studying Soil Heat Storage to GSHP system

With the goal “2050 Carbon Neutral,” energy policies in Japan are facing a major turning point. Prof. Nagano Katsunori Hokkaido University, who has been studying ground source heat pump (GSHP) for a long time, and Taniguchi Satoko from NEDO will discuss the current situation and problems of GSHP system and the ideal future of smart community in Japan.

Japan’s geothermal technology, which is world-class

Taniguchi　Don’t you also conduct

research on building facilities and air

conditioning?

Nagano　The field of research in our laborato-

ry is environmental engineering, namely,

facilities related to thermal engineering and

indoor thermal environment. We do education

and research works not only those specific

themes, but also the use of renewable energy

resources and applications for the social

infrastructure to prevent global warming,

including district heating and cooling system

and smart energy communities.

Taniguchi　Where is Japan’s GSHP

system technology at, compared to

overseas?

Nagano　I think that the research and

development level of the heat source side,

such as borehole heat exchanger, heat

transfer analyses, and potential maps, as

well as component technology like

U-pipes in Japan are advanced to those of

other countries. However, when we look

at the modern water source heat pump unit,

development of highly efficient models are

not enough, and major manufacturers do

not adopt the latest technology for their

products in Japan. For instance, in EU

countries, many minor enterprises

manufacture very high efficient heat

pumps that are small in size while having a

high rated condition, COP (coefficient of

performance), of over 4.5. They also have

great choices of auxiliaries and control

systems, in addition to beautiful package

designs. Needless to say that the hydraulic

heating system market is larger, but

Europeans value time spent at home, and

the products satisfy not only indoor

comfort but also the recent global environ-

mental needs. Japan does not mature these

culture and preference yet.

Taniguchi　The market for renewable

thermal energy system in Japan is still

small, and is mostly consisted of minor

enterprises, but major enterprises are

beginning to take interest little by little.

Still, although major enterprises are

crucial to dissemination, it has been

difficult for them to enter the market

without a specific policy or numeric target.

Nagano　I agree. Even when major

companies start renewable-thermal

energy-related business, they often

disappear in a few years because they

cannot make enough profit. Another factor

is that there are not many stakeholders that

try to continue the business in this field.

On top of that, most people value cost too

much. 80% of the Japanese population live

in a temperate environmental region,

where even lower price air-conditioners

show fair performance. In Tokyo area and

southward, it is normal to purchase

air-conditioners at electronics retail stores

even for custom-built homes. This is

unimaginable in Hokkaido. Warm in the

house has value. People in Hokkaido

invest money for the new house to obtain

more comfort indoor thermal environment

in winter, so central hydraulic heating

system with panel radiators is pretty

popular as the same situation as in Europe.

Taniguchi　In that sense, people living in

cold areas value heating and air-condition-

ing for their warmth and comfortability.

Nagano　Yes. When they build a house,

warmth comes first, and fuel efficiency, or

financial efficiency are the second.

Recently, most heating heat sources are latent heat recovery gas

boilers with high thermal efficiency.

However, hydraulic heating system using ground source heat pump

can reduce CO₂ emission by half to one third those from fossil fuel

combustion boiler systems. The investment cost is a biggest

problem, but NEDO’s current project on a duct air-conditioner using

ground heat source connected with central ventilation system seems

promising. This is because the ventilation duct can also be used for

distributing heated and cooled air, and the cost can be considerably

reduced by laying the horizontal ground heat exchanger. Also, this

system can operate as not only heating, but also as air-conditioning

ventilation and dehumidification, making it functional throughout

Japan. It reduces the operation cost and improves both indoor

thermal comfort and air quality.

Taniguchi　What is necessary to expand usage outside cold

regions?

Nagano　Right now, it is difficult to collaborate with major home

builders and industries. Instead, we are working together with

associations of medium or small scale construction companies and

engineering firms that conduct business nationwide. First, produce

good examples in different areas. The business will expand once

people understand how good B/C (benefit/cost) performance and

low maintenance frequency are. Then, clients increase, more

companies enter this market, and consumers can have a wider

choice. Eventually, large enterprises will join and develop the

market. In addition, COVID-19 is changing our lifestyle. Since

consumers stay home for a longer time, I believe that the value of

ventilation and needs for a better heating and cooling environment

will rise.

Taniguchi　Ground source heat has a lot of potential, with less

disadvantages compared to other renewable energy. With the goal of

“2050 Carbon Neutral,” how do you think ground source heat

should be promoted ?

Nagano　I think there are two ways. First is to aim for ZEB or

ZEH. While ZEB is achievable in the suburbs, it is difficult in the

city with dense buildings, skyscrapers, and less sunlight. Still, the

methodology is the same: thoroughly improve the thermal perfor-

mance of the building by controlling sunlight and installing higher

performance windows, airtightness, and high efficient mechanical

systems ; install a ventilation system with a highly efficient heat

recovery; adopt a ground source heat pump that is essential for

reducing CO₂ emission to respond to the heat demand for heating,

air-conditioning, and hot water supply. In fact, most ZEBs in

Hokkaido adopt a Ground Source Heat Pump system installed.

Second, build an energy network to efficiently use heat and electric-

ity generated by renewable energy resources. Urban areas can not be

self-sufficient in energy, so they need nearby mega solar power

generation plans and wind farms to supply renewable electricity. On

the other hand, the pattern of heat and electric energy demands

varies, such as in office buildings and hotels, since they operate at

different times. If electricity and power are to be supplied individu-

ally, investment will be necessary in electric power and heat source

facilities that correspond to the peak load. However, what if this is

done as a community? Peak hours even out, and demand will

fluctuate gradually. This is the concept of district energy supply in a

larger scale. In Denmark, the use of a “fourth generation district

heating system” that combines all kinds of available renewable

energy resources to supply rather low temperature hot water of

around 65℃ has been replaced from conventional systems. Since

the greatest energy demand in the city is “heat,” it is logical to use

regenerative heat pumps that are cheaper. Especially ground source

heat pumps are ideal to balance the demand and supply of electric

power and heat, because they can store heat for days or even

seasons. Also, in recent years, a new type of district heating system

with a heat source network has been emerging used in a number of

large scale Ground Source Heat Pump systems in Germany,

Switzerland and central European countries. Each building or

facility have high efficiency heat pumps and these are connected to

multiple BHEs (Borehole type ground HE) over 200 meters deep as

a function of both the heat source in winter and the heat sink in

summer, where the fluid circulates through the loop conduit. It is

fluid network of the heat source side, but the key technology is that

it involves a large-scale BTES (Borehole Thermal Energy Storage) ,

and the heat source side fluid temperature varies approximately

from 5 to 25℃ all year long. This is called the “fifth generation

district heating and cooling system” ( 5GDHC )in Europe. Famous

examples are the new campus of ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal

Institute of Technology in Zürich) and redevelopment projects in

front of stations outside Zürich City. This can also be installed in

Japan.

Taniguchi　Past NEDO projects related to ground source heat

technology were very successful. The current technology develop-

ment project entered its third year, coming to a phase where we

obtain data and verify the effects, and think of dissemination

measures. Upon promoting future technology development as the

evaluation committee chief, what are your comments on how

ground source heat should be?

Nagano　The individual technology level of ground source heat

system in Japan is rather high enough. However, we are in urgent

need of integrators that can put together, plan, design, operate, and

manage these technologies as a combined utilization of ground heat

source system. Ground heat source can be used anywhere, anytime,

and by anyone, and is known to lead highly efficiency. We are

convinced that, combining various local renewal energy resources,

including ground heat source, to minimize CO₂ emission and supply

heat and electricity for the smart energy community in addition to

promoting ZEB and ZEH will increase its value. Ground heat source

utilization, both heat source and heat storage, will become a core of

the next generation renewal energy utilization system.

Taniguchi　What do you think NEDO’s future role should be?

Nagano　It is most important not to be the results and achievements

of NEDO’s research and development shelved. I hope businesses

would cultivate the seed of the results, continuous research, develop-

ment, and sales activities until the seed grows and bears fruit, and

initiatively disseminate those results and achievements. Since

NEDO has support programs for various phases, sharing informa-

tion and offering advice are also an important role. I look forward to

seeing ground heat source system will be able to contribute to a

substantial reduction in CO₂ emission and conserving better urban

environment in Japan.

The Future of Energy Realized by Ground Source Heat Pump System

NAGANOKATSUNORI

TANIGUCHISATOKO


Hokkaido University Professor, Director of International Exchange Office of Faculty of Engineering

AGANOAGANOAGANOAGANOAGANONKATSUNORIKATSUNORIKATSUNORIKATSUNORIKATSUNORIKATSUNORIKATSUNORI

Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Professor, Director of International Exchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of Engineering

Graduated from Hokkaido University Graduate School

Faculty of Engineering with a master’s degree in 1985.

Nagano began his career at Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., later

becoming an assistant professor, associate professor, then

a professor in 2006 at Hokkaido University, Graduate

School of Engineering. Specializing in environmental energy

technology and plant engineering, especially renewable

thermal energy utilization, improved energy ef�ciency using

heat pump system, and optimal control of a smart commu-

nity, he is chief of the evaluation committee of NEDO

“Research and Development for Total Cost Reduction of

Heat Utilization as Renewable Energy” since 2019.

Graduated from Kyushu University

Department of Earth Resources

Engineering with a master’s degree in

2007. She is the project manager of

Research and Development for Total

Cost Reduction of Heat Utilization as

Renewable Energy since 2019.

Exchange Office of Faculty of EngineeringExchange Office of Faculty of Engineering
































same time.

From Studying Soil Heat Storage to GSHP system

With the goal “2050 Carbon Neutral,” energy policies in Japan are facing a major turning point. Prof. Nagano Katsunori Hokkaido University, who has been studying ground source heat pump (GSHP) for a long time, and Taniguchi Satoko from NEDO will discuss the current situation and problems of GSHP system and the ideal future of smart community in Japan.

Japan’s geothermal technology, which is world-class



conditioning?













overseas?















































































regions?













will rise.



















































Japan.































The Future of Energy Realized by Ground Source Heat Pump System

NAGANOKATSUNORI

TANIGUCHISATOKO


Hokkaido University Professor, Director of International Exchange Office of Faculty of Engineering

ANIGUCHIANIGUCHITANIGUCHITANIGUCHITANIGUCHIANIGUCHIANIGUCHIANIGUCHIANIGUCHITTANIGUCHITSATOKOSATOKOSATOKOSATOKOSATOKOSATOKO

NEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentNEDO New Energy Technology DepartmentHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project ManagerHeat Utilization Group Project Manager

Graduated from Hokkaido University Graduate School

Faculty of Engineering with a master’s degree in 1985.

Nagano began his career at Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., later

becoming an assistant professor, associate professor, then

a professor in 2006 at Hokkaido University, Graduate

School of Engineering. Specializing in environmental energy

technology and plant engineering, especially renewable

thermal energy utilization, improved energy ef�ciency using

heat pump system, and optimal control of a smart commu-

nity, he is chief of the evaluation committee of NEDO

“Research and Development for Total Cost Reduction of

Heat Utilization as Renewable Energy” since 2019.

Graduated from Kyushu University

Department of Earth Resources

Engineering with a master’s degree in

2007. She is the project manager of

Research and Development for Total

Cost Reduction of Heat Utilization as

Renewable Energy since 2019.
































same time.



conditioning?













overseas?















































































regions?













will rise.







Promoting Renewable Heat Utilization Through ZEB/ZEH and District Heat and Cooling

Realizing a Smart Community With Diverse Renewable Energy













































Japan.































Source: Bradley, S. (2020, August 25). Switzerland continues to bet on geothermal energy. SWI swissinfo.ch. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-contin-ues-to-bet-on-geothermal-energy/45980810.

5th generation DHC in ETH in Zurich

S P E C I A L TA L K

<Interview Venue>

New company building of T-SYOU Co, Ltd. that was

turned into nearly ZEB

This nearly ZEB has adopted

low-E coating triple glazing

windows , filling formed

urethane thermal insulation in

the gap between the existing

outer and a new inner wall,

and Ground Source Heat

Pump system developed by Sunpot Co. Ltd. and Hokkaido

University supported by NEDO project.

It is important not to make the results of research and development weather.It is most important not to be the results and achievements of NEDO’s research and development shelved.

Cold regions can be a starting point of the dissemination of ground heat source utilization.
































same time.



conditioning?













overseas?















































































regions?













will rise.







Promoting Renewable Heat Utilization Through ZEB/ZEH and District Heat and Cooling

Realizing a Smart Community With Diverse Renewable Energy













































Japan.































Source: Bradley, S. (2020, August 25). Switzerland continues to bet on geothermal energy. SWI swissinfo.ch. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-contin-ues-to-bet-on-geothermal-energy/45980810.

5th generation DHC in ETH in Zurich

S P E C I A L TA L K

<Interview Venue>

New company building of T-SYOU Co, Ltd. that was

turned into nearly ZEB

This nearly ZEB has adopted

low-E coating triple glazing

windows , filling formed

urethane thermal insulation in

the gap between the existing

outer and a new inner wall,

and Ground Source Heat

Pump system developed by Sunpot Co. Ltd. and Hokkaido

University supported by NEDO project.

It is important not to make the results of research and development weather.It is most important not to be the results and achievements of NEDO’s research and development shelved.

Cold regions can be a starting point of the dissemination of ground heat source utilization.


https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-continues-to-bet-on-geothermal-energy/45980810

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-continues-to-bet-on-geothermal-energy/45980810

Project Plan

NEDO worked on “Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy” from

2014 to 2018. Following are the project plan and list of themes.

Please refer to the progress report database for the details of each project.

https://www.nedo.go.jp/library/database_index.html

Former company name (upon research and development)

*New Nippon Steel Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd.

**Kankyo Sogo Technos Co., Ltd.

***Data Hotel Co.,Ltd.

NEDO PROJECTNEDO PROJECT

D e v e l o p m e n t P r o j e c t s

Operators

Simulation Tool

Simulation Tool Potential Evaluation Technology

Dissemination of renewable energy heat utilization

Users

Shorten payback period

Reduce examination and design fees Specify advantages of installation Cut back machinery cost Lower installation and operation cost

Develop tools for energy conservation estimation, facility design, and performance verification

Component Technology Increasing Efficiency and Normalizing the Total System

Cut down drilling cost using low-noise,

high-speed drilling technologyLower the risk by standardizing the system

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system

Potential Evaluation Technology

Reduce costs by improving component technology

Map of ground source heat usability

Heat utilization of air-conditioner and hot water supply

(Left) Labor-saving, automatic rod supply borehole excavator

with a newly developed V-head “FSGT-150C” (Koken Boring

Machine Co., Ltd.)

(Right) High performance drilling machine with automation and

low-noise technology “Sonic NEO” (Toa-Tone Boring Co., Ltd.)

Ground Club Cloud (Hokkaido University)

Heat pumps

Drilling

Potential map of ground source heat utilization(National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology)

Open loop system potential map(Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Gifu University)

Toa-Tone Boring Co., Ltd.

Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corporation

Theme nameR&D items Business name

University of Fukui/Mitani Sekisan Co.,Ltd.

YBM Co., Ltd./Saga University

Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo/Kajima Corporation/

Zeneral Heatpump Industry Co., Ltd.

Nikken Sekkei Research Institute/Nagoya City University

Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co./Akita University/

NIPPON PMAC Co., Ltd.

Hokkaido University/NISSIN TECHNO Co., Ltd./Koken Boring Machine Co., Ltd./

INOAC Housing & Construction Materials Co.,Ltd./Sunpot Co., Ltd./

Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.*/GMLabo Inc.

Development in geothermal utilization technology for cost reduction.

Development and standardization of efficiency increasing technology of total system for geo-heat utilization

Development of Highly Efficient Grand Source Heat Pump System (GSHP), Its Standard-ization and Area Thermal Potential Evaluation Technology

Moriya Corporation

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization/New Industry Creation

Hatchery Center/Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd./Geo System Co., Ltd.

Geo-Research Institute/Kanso Technos Co., Ltd.**/Okayama University

Sogo Setsubi Consulting Co.,Ltd./Osaka City University

Industrial Research Institute of Niigata Prefecture/Tokai University/

Niigatakiki Corporation

Snow shop-Kobiyama/Kyodo News Digital Co., Ltd./NHN Techorus Corp.***/

Kankyo Gijutsu Center Co., Ltd./Zukosha Co., Ltd. /

Muroran Institute of Technology

College of Engineering, Nihon University/Jyu-Kankyo Sekkei-Shitsu Ltd./

Nisshou Techno Corporation

Development of potential evaluation technology for the renewable energy heat utilization

High-Efficiency and Standardization of the Total System for Renewable Energy Heat Utilization

Japan Ground Water Development Co., Ltd./Akita University/

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

OYO Corporation/Geosphere Environmental Technology Corporation

Gifu University/Toho Chisui Co., Ltd./Teikoku International Corporation

Japan Solar System Development Association (JSSDA)/

Meijo University/Building Research Institute

Hiroshima University/TOYO KOATSU Inc. /The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

Development of fundamental technology in geothermal utilization

Development of Underground Heat Storage Technology in Symbiotic Ground

Research and development on installation method of heat retraction

tubes applicable to houses and small to mid-size buildings.

Research and Development of Geothermal Extraction System of Recirculating-Groundwater

Research and Development for Noise Reduction and

Automation of High Performance Drilling Machine

Development of low-cost and high-performance ground

source heat pump system and its design and evaluation

method

Development of Renewable Energy Thermal Utilization Technology/Devel-

opment of Highly Efficient Grand Source Heat Pump System (GSHP), Its

Standardization and Area Thermal Potential Evaluation Technology/Devel-

opment of Low-Cost and Highly Efficient GSHP Systems for Residences

Development of Total Simulation Tool for HVAC System

Combining with Ground source Heat Pump System

Mitigation of global warming by the introduction of highly efficient

and cost effective GSHP systems using urban infrastructures

Development of closed systems using ground heat and

flowing water heat

Development of high performance geothermal heat pump system using

groundwater and Advancement of the potential map for popularization.

Research and developement of estimating Ground-source

Heat potential using terrestrial Fluid-flow modeling techniques

Research and development on the higher efficient system of the

open-loop geothermal heat pump and its potential assessment technique

Technology development for large-scale heat source use of

groundwater by open-loop type systems in metropolitan region

The research and development of construction technology for hybrid heat

source water supply network to promote the utilization of geothermal energy.

Development of Yukimuro cooling unit using

thermoacoustic refrigerator driven by solar power

Research and Development of the Optimization Methods

for a Solar Collection System

Feasibility study on supercritical water gasification of shochu residue and food wastes

Development of heat collection method from snow ice

and heat collection facilities that can use snow cleared

away in a city.

Development of Distributed Water Source Heat-Pump

System for Renewable Energy

P.13

P.14

P.17

P.15

P.16

P.12

Ground heat exchangers

Flat U-Poly pipe (INOAC Housing & Construction Materials Co.,Ltd.)

Resin-made immersion heat exchanging unit: G-HEX (Geosystem Co.,Ltd.)

(Left) Experimental model of a 60kW class air-conditioning heat pump (Sunpot Co., Ltd.)(Right) Sky Source Heat Pump (Zeneral Heatpump Industry Co., Ltd.)

*The arrow will be reversed during cool summer

*

List of “Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy”


Project Plan

NEDO worked on “Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy” from

2014 to 2018. Following are the project plan and list of themes.

Please refer to the progress report database for the details of each project.


Former company name (upon research and development)

*New Nippon Steel Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd.

**Kankyo Sogo Technos Co., Ltd.

***Data Hotel Co.,Ltd.

NEDO PROJECTNEDO PROJECT

D e v e l o p m e n t P r o j e c t s

Operators

Simulation Tool

Simulation Tool Potential Evaluation Technology

Dissemination of renewable energy heat utilization

Users

Shorten payback period

Reduce examination and design fees Specify advantages of installation Cut back machinery cost Lower installation and operation cost

Develop tools for energy conservation estimation, facility design, and performance verification

Component Technology Increasing Efficiency and Normalizing the Total System

Cut down drilling cost using low-noise,

high-speed drilling technologyLower the risk by standardizing the system

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system

Potential Evaluation Technology

Reduce costs by improving component technology

Map of ground source heat usability

Heat utilization of air-conditioner and hot water supply

(Left) Labor-saving, automatic rod supply borehole excavator

with a newly developed V-head “FSGT-150C” (Koken Boring

Machine Co., Ltd.)

(Right) High performance drilling machine with automation and

low-noise technology “Sonic NEO” (Toa-Tone Boring Co., Ltd.)

Ground Club Cloud (Hokkaido University)

Heat pumps

Drilling

Potential map of ground source heat utilization(National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology)

Open loop system potential map(Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Gifu University)

Toa-Tone Boring Co., Ltd.

Asahi Kasei Construction Materials Corporation

Theme nameR&D items Business name

University of Fukui/Mitani Sekisan Co.,Ltd.

YBM Co., Ltd./Saga University

Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo/Kajima Corporation/

Zeneral Heatpump Industry Co., Ltd.

Nikken Sekkei Research Institute/Nagoya City University

Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co./Akita University/

NIPPON PMAC Co., Ltd.

Hokkaido University/NISSIN TECHNO Co., Ltd./Koken Boring Machine Co., Ltd./

INOAC Housing & Construction Materials Co.,Ltd./Sunpot Co., Ltd./

Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.*/GMLabo Inc.

Development in geothermal utilization technology for cost reduction.

Development and standardization of efficiency increasing technology of total system for geo-heat utilization

Development of Highly Efficient Grand Source Heat Pump System (GSHP), Its Standard-ization and Area Thermal Potential Evaluation Technology

Moriya Corporation

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization/New Industry Creation

Hatchery Center/Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd./Geo System Co., Ltd.

Geo-Research Institute/Kanso Technos Co., Ltd.**/Okayama University

Sogo Setsubi Consulting Co.,Ltd./Osaka City University

Industrial Research Institute of Niigata Prefecture/Tokai University/

Niigatakiki Corporation

Snow shop-Kobiyama/Kyodo News Digital Co., Ltd./NHN Techorus Corp.***/

Kankyo Gijutsu Center Co., Ltd./Zukosha Co., Ltd. /

Muroran Institute of Technology

College of Engineering, Nihon University/Jyu-Kankyo Sekkei-Shitsu Ltd./

Nisshou Techno Corporation

Development of potential evaluation technology for the renewable energy heat utilization

High-Efficiency and Standardization of the Total System for Renewable Energy Heat Utilization

Japan Ground Water Development Co., Ltd./Akita University/

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

OYO Corporation/Geosphere Environmental Technology Corporation

Gifu University/Toho Chisui Co., Ltd./Teikoku International Corporation

Japan Solar System Development Association (JSSDA)/

Meijo University/Building Research Institute

Hiroshima University/TOYO KOATSU Inc. /The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

Development of fundamental technology in geothermal utilization

Development of Underground Heat Storage Technology in Symbiotic Ground

Research and development on installation method of heat retraction

tubes applicable to houses and small to mid-size buildings.

Research and Development of Geothermal Extraction System of Recirculating-Groundwater

Research and Development for Noise Reduction and

Automation of High Performance Drilling Machine

Development of low-cost and high-performance ground

source heat pump system and its design and evaluation

method

Development of Renewable Energy Thermal Utilization Technology/Devel-

opment of Highly Efficient Grand Source Heat Pump System (GSHP), Its

Standardization and Area Thermal Potential Evaluation Technology/Devel-

opment of Low-Cost and Highly Efficient GSHP Systems for Residences

Development of Total Simulation Tool for HVAC System

Combining with Ground source Heat Pump System

Mitigation of global warming by the introduction of highly efficient

and cost effective GSHP systems using urban infrastructures

Development of closed systems using ground heat and

flowing water heat

Development of high performance geothermal heat pump system using

groundwater and Advancement of the potential map for popularization.

Research and developement of estimating Ground-source

Heat potential using terrestrial Fluid-flow modeling techniques

Research and development on the higher efficient system of the

open-loop geothermal heat pump and its potential assessment technique

Technology development for large-scale heat source use of

groundwater by open-loop type systems in metropolitan region

The research and development of construction technology for hybrid heat

source water supply network to promote the utilization of geothermal energy.

Development of Yukimuro cooling unit using

thermoacoustic refrigerator driven by solar power

Research and Development of the Optimization Methods

for a Solar Collection System

Feasibility study on supercritical water gasification of shochu residue and food wastes

Development of heat collection method from snow ice

and heat collection facilities that can use snow cleared

away in a city.

Development of Distributed Water Source Heat-Pump

System for Renewable Energy

P.13

P.14

P.17

P.15

P.16

P.12

Ground heat exchangers

Flat U-Poly pipe (INOAC Housing & Construction Materials Co.,Ltd.)

Resin-made immersion heat exchanging unit: G-HEX (Geosystem Co.,Ltd.)

(Left) Experimental model of a 60kW class air-conditioning heat pump (Sunpot Co., Ltd.)(Right) Sky Source Heat Pump (Zeneral Heatpump Industry Co., Ltd.)

*The arrow will be reversed during cool summer

*

List of “Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy”




YBM is a drilling machine manufacturer that has been developing

a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system since 17 years ago.

Wishing reduce the drilling cost and manpower to install the

system, they applied for the NEDO program. The joint research

with Saga University to develop an drilling machine exclusive to

ground source heat that shortens construction period started.

The project enabled the use of a longer rod of 3 meters, shortened

the removal and reinstallation time of the rod, and improved the

workability and safety by developing a U-pipe inserting machine.

Moreover, YBM developed peripheral equipment for the ground

heat exchanger by Saga University. By combining the equipment,

construction period was reduced by 43%, required manpower was

minimized from three people to two, and initial cost dropped by

26%, exceeding the goal of a 20% cutback.

However, Mr. Okubo from YBM added, “Sales activities are not

simple, since people do not frequently replace drilling machine.”

Also, it is difficult to promote the use of GSHP system just for

air-conditioning purposes in Saga Prefecture with temperate weath-

er.

Therefore, YBM moved on to the next step with the support of

NEDO, collaborating with Showa Manufacturing, conducting

research and development of the deployment of a hot water system

using GSHP. Regarding the project, Mr. Okubo emphasized, “It is

effective to promote GSHP system by incorporating hot water

system with air-conditioners, which have great demand.”

Interest in GSHP system in Saga has been rising in recent years.

“We wish to advertise the system not only to the government, but

also to welfare facilities and nursing homes that use a lot of hot

water,” Mr. Okubo remarked. Mr. Matsuo added, “Although we are

an drilling machine manufactur-

er, we also want to contribute to

society through geothermal heat

as ground source, which is safe

yet inexpensive.”

An Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system uses groundwater for

storing heat energy for cooling and heating system: storing cold heat

in winter to use for cooling in the next summer and storing warm

heat in summer to use for heating in the next winter. Japan Ground-

water Development, known for their snow melting system, has been

conducting research and development of ATES system since the

1970s. An operational evaluation has started in 2009, but in order to

tackle the technical issues they applied for the NEDO project.

“Especially in snowy areas in Tohoku region, the heating season is

twice as long as the cooling season. Therefore, cold energy spreads

in the aquifer.” Dr. Yamaya explains. “The “High-Efficiency ATES

System” developed with NEDO was intended to eliminate cold

energy and drastically improves system efficiency by adding solar

heat to the groundwater warmed up by heating and cooling during

the summer season.” A capped well was developed to prevent

groundwater from blowing out, which was one of the issues with the

conventional system, enabling a 100% return of the groundwater

into the aquifer and eliminating the need for drainage and

backwashing operations, thereby reducing the maintenance costs. In

addition, the specialized heat pump jointly developed with Zeneral

Heatpump Industry substantially improved the system efficiency.

As a result, the initial cost decreased by 21%, and running cost

decreased by 31% compared to the conventional open loop system.

In addition to JGD’s office building, this system is to be used for the

new town hall of Kahoku town, Yamagata Prefecture. Dr. Katsuragi

looks forward to its popularization, saying, “It will be a great

promotion if more public facilities install the system and the

economic effects are visualized.” Currently, the next project with

NEDO on ZEB is progressing: research and development of a total

heat supply system based on High-Efficiency Aquifer Thermal

Energy Storage that can cover heat demands for heating and

cooling, hot water supply, and snow melting. Dr. Yamaya showed

enthusiasm for the future, saying, “Yamagata Prefecture is suitable

for ATES, since they have plenty of groundwater. I hope the whole

region deploys the system and becomes a model district of regional

heat supply using groundwater.

Improving system efficiency by heating water after cooling system using solar collector during the summer, and cooling water after heating system by melting snow during the winter.

Achievement of the Cost Reduction and Improvement of Efficiency of Heating and Cooling by Using Aquifer Thermal Energy StorageDevelopment of a High-Efficiency Ground Heat

Utilization System Using Groundwater and

Advancement of Potential Map for its propagation

YBM Co., Ltd.Geothermal Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineering & Development DepartmentDoctor of Engineering

Okubo Hiroaki YBM Co., Ltd.Deputy General Manager, Mechanical Design Engineering & Development Department

Matsuo Hideyuki

Promotion of GSHP system in Temperate Areas

Project details and comments from the developer of “Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as Renewable Energy” supported by NEDO

R&D Story to Practical UseOperator Interview

Solving problems of Conventional Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage through NEDO Project

Integrating heat sources for saving energy and popularization of the system

Development of an Excavator that Reduces Cost and Manpower

Promote Ground Source Heat Pump System With an Exclusive drilling machineDevelopment of Component Technology of GSHP System

Japan Groundwater Development Co., Ltd.STORY.1

YBM Co., Ltd.STORY.2

ECO-13GT used for GSHP system. The rod can be removed and reinstalled quickly, and its high rotary cutting and vibrate crushing abilities enabled speedy drilling.

Utilization Tips

Reduce construction period and manpower by improving operational efficiency of drilling machine

Promote GSHP system in temperate areas by combining hot water supply and air-conditioning

Develop 100m and 30m-class drilling machine

▶

▶

▶

Utilization Tips

Promotion of introducing the system in plains and valleys in Tohoku region with abundant groundwater

Saving energy and costs of heating and hot water supply in cold regions

Mitigating environmental load for aquifer and ground

▶

▶

▶

Japan Groundwater Development Co., Ltd.General Manager of Planning and Development Department

Yamaya Mutsumi, Ph.D.Japan Groundwater Development Co., Ltd.Executive Managing Director　

Katsuragi Masahiko, Ph.D.

Heatpump

Heatpump

Cooling and warm heat storage in summer

Heating and cold heat storage in winter

Non-watering snow extinguisher

Alternating use

Solar collector

Aquifer Aquifer

Summer pumpingWinter injection well

Summer pumpingWinter injection well

Winter pumpingSummer injection well

Winter pumpingSummer injection well


Moriya Corporation, a total constructor, began their research on

geothermal heat (ground source) technology when they constructed

a GSHP system using boreholes in Karuizawa Ice Park. “Digging

tens of boring holes that are 75-100m deep, about 20cm in diameter

were costly; too expensive for normal engineering firms and construc-

tion companies. Thus, we decided to develop a ground heat collection

and radiation system that reduces cost,” Mr. Nakamura reflected. They

found out about ”Research and Development for Utilization of Heat as

Renewable Energy” by NEDO and applied for the program when they

joined a workshop by Professor Katsuyuki Fujinawa from Shinshu

University in 2013 to learn about GSHP system.

There are several types of GSHP system, such as open loop type that

directly exchanges heat by pumping up well water and closed loop

type that exchanges heat by circulating fluid in a heat exchanger.

However, recharging ground water in the aquifer is difficult for the

former, while the latter is easily affected by outdoor air temperature.

"Ground Water Circulation Type Subterranean Heat Collection and

Radiation System” developed with NEDO creates a flow of ground

water by sprinkling water from 20 m underground to the heat

exchanger buried in the ground surface and restoring it to the

aquifer. The “cascade type” with improved performance collects

and radiates heat little by little, reducing water to be pumped up by

half, and the initial and running costs by more than 20%.

“We learned a lot from specialists that we met through the program,

and were able to complete our technology development because

NEDO bore two third of the development cost,” said Mr. Nakamura.

The technology is currently used in three buildings owned by them.

Mr. Nakamura emphasized, “Our next goal is dissemination. We

have been promoting the technology by establishing an association

of 24 companies in 2020. As the necessity of ZEB rises as part of

SDGs, geothermal heat should attract more attention as an

eco-friendly renewable energy that reduces CO₂ emission. We are

trying to spread not only the construction method, but also the

knowledge of geothermal heat itself.”

Ground Water Circulation Type Subterranean Heat Collecting System

Further Cost Cut and Dissemination, Shift-ing to ZEB for Environmental Conservation

OYO Corporation, providing a wide range of solution based on

geological information, also develops business in the field of

resources and energy. They discovered and applied for the NEDO

program while searching for a way to use their extensive data on

ground, geology, and ground water for the dissemination of geother-

mal heat (ground source) utilization.

Mr. Takeshima explains, “The key to efficient use of geothermal

heat is accurate information on apparent effective thermal conduc-

tivity of the ground, flow speed of ground water, subsurface

temperature, and so on. In this project, we aimed for an accuracy

that can be used to design air conditioning equipments in buildings

using geothermal heat.”

Heat exchanging efficiency increases when flow velocity is high. If

there is prior information of the ground, the ground heat exchanger

can be set at an appropriate length, and the installation cost can be

reduced. 200,000 km² from Kanto to Tohoku regions, a total area of

20,000 km² in Kanto region and Miyagi Prefecture, and 5,000 km²

with plentiful ground water in Nagano area was chosen. Develop-

ment of geothermal heat potential evaluation technology started by

compiling public ground information and information owned by

OYO, using the numerical simulation technology by Geosphere

Environmental Technology Corporation.

Mr. Takeshima looks back to the project, “Using a detached house

as a model building and calculating the length of the heat exchanger

based on the thermal load of each region was difficult, but that made

the map more useful.” Other notable deliverables were an elaborate

3D geological structure model with a horizontal resolution of 50 m

in the city, and a multi-scale simulation model that takes into consid-

eration the change in ground surface, such as rain.

By exchanging information with other companies that create

potential maps, Mr. Takeshima was assured that the information

they provide was accurate. He confidently added, “Our technology

meets the needs of diverse users.”

Accurate Information for the Efficient Use of Geothermal Heat

Promote Geothermal Heat Utilization With a Map that Caters for Many, Including Designers

“Cascade type” can reuse heat from a single ground water heat source several times. It received the ETV logo in 2020, and won an award at 2020 Energy Conservation Grand Prize.

Reduced electric power for air-conditioners by 24% compared to borehole type.


OYO CorporationWater and Dsaster Engineering Business DivisionGeneral ManagerP.E.JpQuali�ed Person for Energy Management

Takeshima Junya

Moriya CorporationTechnical Laboratory Manager

Nakamura Mitsuaki

Provides a potential map with high accuracy and resolution

Calculates necessary lengths of heat exchangers for normal houses

Database that can be used by a wide range of users

▶

▶

▶

Utilization Tips

Mapped the length of heat exchangers that meet the target COP (5.5 with air-conditioner, 3.5 with heater).Businesses can predict appropriate digging depth in advance.

A Construction Company’s Undertake on Ground Heat Collection Ground Water Circulation Type Subterranean

Heat Collecting System

Evaluation Technology of Geothermal Heat Potential to Provide Various Information National Land Geothermal Heat Potential Database

Using Geosphere Fluid Modeling

Moriya CorporationSTORY.3 OYO CorporationSTORY.4

Utilization Tips

Suitable areas are around rivers with high permeability and alluvial fans

Even small to mid sized construction companies can use at a low cost

Sustainable system where underground water will be recharged

▶

▶

▶

Heat collection and radiation tank

Well

GSHP

Pump up

Sprinkle waterPenetration

Direction of flow

Direction of flowReturning

Returning

Indoor

Water sprinkling pipe

Heat collection and radiation pipe: high density polyethylene pipe

(circulating fluid of primary side: fresh water)

Secondary circulating fluid: Cold and hot water

(Propylene glycol)

Filled in by permeable material

(river gravel or river sand)

Analyzed region

River

Waters

Length of ground heat exchanger (m)


As a result , the team noticed that each layer has different concentra-

tion and tendency of components. Therefore, it was found that each

aquifer needs to be used independently for the introduction of the

GSHP system. When the GSHP system is used in various places in

the future, it is necessary to monitor whether it is used properly

without damaging the groundwater environment.

We devised a well that monitors and manages three water veins in

one well, reducing installation costs by 25%.

The research data is used for the ATES potential map that visualizes

the unit price of system installation for every 250 m mesh (drilling

cost per kW) on the Osaka City website. “We made the map as

accurate as possible for dissemination,” says Dr. Kitada. People

look forward to their technology that promotes GSHP system even

in urban areas with pumping restrictions.

Ground source heat pump system was considered in Osaka Plain,

since they had abundant ground water. The Aquifer Thermal Energy

Storage (ATES) system that can use a large amount of heat at once

prevents the heat island effect, for they can satisfy heat demand of

buildings in urban areas. However, there are pumping restrictions in

Osaka, to prevent land subsidence due to excessive use of ground-

water. In order to implement the ATES system, it was crucial to

understand the ground water condition and deregulate the law.

Therefore, the project evaluated the suitability of open loop using

ground water and its potential of the Osaka City area.

Dr. Kitada from Geo-Research Institute, who was in charge of the

ground water research described, “There is a series of sandy gravel

layers in Osaka Plain, and the aquifer is distributed from Dg1 to

Dg3, in order of shallowness. In this study, we focused on Dg1 to

Dg3 at a depth of 80-100 m. Although Dg2 and Dg3 have not been

studied much, we conducted a survey to understand the characteris-

tics of Dg1 to Dg3 in order to safely introduce the ATES system. As

a result of my research, I noticed that each layer has different

concentration and tendency of components.”

A Safe Ground Water Utilization Method That Does Not Affect the Environment

An Accurate Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Potential Map to Promote GSHP System

Mitsubishi Materials Techno has been researching, developing, and

working toward practical use of geothermal heat technology for a

long time. Mr. Ishikami explains, “We had business history using

three different installation methods of ground heat exchangers.”

However, dissemination in temperate regions, especially in urban

areas that mainly use for cooling, was slow despite the large market

size, due to cost effectiveness and space restrictions compared to

cold regions that need to be snow melting and heating .

Mr. Ishikami continued, “NEDO helped us reduce the expenses by

merging costs with construction fees of a earth retaining wall, which

is part of urban infrastructure.”

Akita University in charge of optimizing the simulation, NIPPON

PMAC specialized in heat pump, and a company specialized in

earth retaining wall construction joined the project. They attempted

to solve the bottlenecks in installation, scaling construction costs

and enhancing the efficiency of the ground heat exchanger (GHE)

by installing the GHE in the earth retaining wall during urban

infrastructure improvement, and developing a pump unit that does

not require a machine room.not require a machine room.

Mr. Ishikami commented on the project that academically proved an

idea developed on site, “Joining the program was very significant to

us, since we gained new perspectives through technical cooperation

among different industries.”

As a result, the construction method reduced installation cost by

29% and running cost by 30%. In addition, the field test achieved a

remarkable SCOP of over 10 nearly throughout the whole period.

Mr. Ishikami shared with us his next goal, “The project gave us

another construction method, expanding our business opportunities.

I hope this leads to a wider recognition of geothermal heat, as part

of infrastructure like smart cities.”

Motivating Urban Areas to Use GSHP system by Adding to Infrastructure Improvement Expenses

Achieved SCOP10, Realizing a High Energy Saving Performance and Low Cost

To encourage installation, end users can easily evaluate feasibility from the map. The map can be found in the Osaka City website.

Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co.Engineering Business HeadquartersSection Chief of Sales Division Tokyo BranchDoctor of Engineering

Ishikami Takashi

Geo-Research InstituteExecutive DirectorUnit Leader, Research and Development Unit LeaderGeology and Environment Geosciences GroupChief Researcher/Doctor of ScienceDisaster Prevention Expert

Kitada Naoko

Saved enough energy even for individually distributed air conditioning system that is less cost effective compared to temperate areas and central air conditioners.

Established a Base to Install Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage System by Realizing Ground Water Observation and Management at a Low Cost

R&D for Underground Water Large Scale Heat Source

Utilization Using Open Loop System in Urban Areas

Popularizing Ground Source Heat Pump Systemin Temperate Areas by Reducing Costs

Urban Infrastructure Utilizing GSHP System

Geo-Research InstituteSTORY.5 Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co.STORY.6

Utilization Tips

Reduce costs by combining with infrastructure improvement in urban areas

SCOP 10, enough energy saving effect for warm areas

Pump unit that does not require a machine room

▶

▶

▶

1F

B1F

B2F

2F

3F

Building

Indoor unit

HOT

COOL

Heat pump

Civil engineering structure Civil engineering structure

Retaining wall type

Subway

Pile type

Borehole type

Horizontal type

Heat radiation

Underground plaza

Heat radiation

Cooling Heat pump (cooling)

Stratum/Ground water(heat storage)

1F

B1F

B2F

2F

3F

Building

Indoor unit

COLD

WARM

Heat pump

Retaining wall type

Subway

Pile type

Borehole type

Horizontal type

Heatcollection

Underground plaza

Heatcollection

Heating Heat pump(heating)

Stratum/Ground water(heat source)

Utilization Tips

Exceptional measures to use Dg2, Dg3 ground water

A map to show the depth and cost of drilling

Low cost monitoring after installation

▶

▶

▶

Summertime Wintertime



https://www.mapnavi.city.osaka.lg.jp/osakacity/PositionSelect?mid=23

https://www.mapnavi.city.osaka.lg.jp/osakacity/PositionSelect?mid=23

As a result , the team noticed that each layer has different concentra-

tion and tendency of components. Therefore, it was found that each

aquifer needs to be used independently for the introduction of the

GSHP system. When the GSHP system is used in various places in

the future, it is necessary to monitor whether it is used properly

without damaging the groundwater environment.

We devised a well that monitors and manages three water veins in

one well, reducing installation costs by 25%.

The research data is used for the ATES potential map that visualizes

the unit price of system installation for every 250 m mesh (drilling

cost per kW) on the Osaka City website. “We made the map as

accurate as possible for dissemination,” says Dr. Kitada. People

look forward to their technology that promotes GSHP system even

in urban areas with pumping restrictions.

Ground source heat pump system was considered in Osaka Plain,

since they had abundant ground water. The Aquifer Thermal Energy

Storage (ATES) system that can use a large amount of heat at once

prevents the heat island effect, for they can satisfy heat demand of

buildings in urban areas. However, there are pumping restrictions in

Osaka, to prevent land subsidence due to excessive use of ground-

water. In order to implement the ATES system, it was crucial to

understand the ground water condition and deregulate the law.

Therefore, the project evaluated the suitability of open loop using

ground water and its potential of the Osaka City area.

Dr. Kitada from Geo-Research Institute, who was in charge of the

ground water research described, “There is a series of sandy gravel

layers in Osaka Plain, and the aquifer is distributed from Dg1 to

Dg3, in order of shallowness. In this study, we focused on Dg1 to

Dg3 at a depth of 80-100 m. Although Dg2 and Dg3 have not been

studied much, we conducted a survey to understand the characteris-

tics of Dg1 to Dg3 in order to safely introduce the ATES system. As

a result of my research, I noticed that each layer has different

concentration and tendency of components.”

A Safe Ground Water Utilization Method That Does Not Affect the Environment

An Accurate Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Potential Map to Promote GSHP System

Mitsubishi Materials Techno has been researching, developing, and

working toward practical use of geothermal heat technology for a

long time. Mr. Ishikami explains, “We had business history using

three different installation methods of ground heat exchangers.”

However, dissemination in temperate regions, especially in urban

areas that mainly use for cooling, was slow despite the large market

size, due to cost effectiveness and space restrictions compared to

cold regions that need to be snow melting and heating .

Mr. Ishikami continued, “NEDO helped us reduce the expenses by

merging costs with construction fees of a earth retaining wall, which

is part of urban infrastructure.”

Akita University in charge of optimizing the simulation, NIPPON

PMAC specialized in heat pump, and a company specialized in

earth retaining wall construction joined the project. They attempted

to solve the bottlenecks in installation, scaling construction costs

and enhancing the efficiency of the ground heat exchanger (GHE)

by installing the GHE in the earth retaining wall during urban

infrastructure improvement, and developing a pump unit that does

not require a machine room.not require a machine room.

Mr. Ishikami commented on the project that academically proved an

idea developed on site, “Joining the program was very significant to

us, since we gained new perspectives through technical cooperation

among different industries.”

As a result, the construction method reduced installation cost by

29% and running cost by 30%. In addition, the field test achieved a

remarkable SCOP of over 10 nearly throughout the whole period.

Mr. Ishikami shared with us his next goal, “The project gave us

another construction method, expanding our business opportunities.

I hope this leads to a wider recognition of geothermal heat, as part

of infrastructure like smart cities.”

Motivating Urban Areas to Use GSHP system by Adding to Infrastructure Improvement Expenses

Achieved SCOP10, Realizing a High Energy Saving Performance and Low Cost

To encourage installation, end users can easily evaluate feasibility from the map. The map can be found in the Osaka City website.

Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co.Engineering Business HeadquartersSection Chief of Sales Division Tokyo BranchDoctor of Engineering

Ishikami Takashi

Geo-Research InstituteExecutive DirectorUnit Leader, Research and Development Unit LeaderGeology and Environment Geosciences GroupChief Researcher/Doctor of ScienceDisaster Prevention Expert

Kitada Naoko

Saved enough energy even for individually distributed air conditioning system that is less cost effective compared to temperate areas and central air conditioners.

Established a Base to Install Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage System by Realizing Ground Water Observation and Management at a Low Cost

R&D for Underground Water Large Scale Heat Source

Utilization Using Open Loop System in Urban Areas

Popularizing Ground Source Heat Pump Systemin Temperate Areas by Reducing Costs

Urban Infrastructure Utilizing GSHP System

Geo-Research InstituteSTORY.5 Mitsubishi Materials Techno Co.STORY.6

Utilization Tips

Reduce costs by combining with infrastructure improvement in urban areas

SCOP 10, enough energy saving effect for warm areas

Pump unit that does not require a machine room

▶

▶

▶

1F

B1F

B2F

2F

3F

Building

Indoor unit

HOT

COOL

Heat pump

Civil engineering structure Civil engineering structure

Retaining wall type

Subway

Pile type

Borehole type

Horizontal type

Heat radiation

Underground plaza

Heat radiation

Cooling Heat pump (cooling)

Stratum/Ground water(heat storage)

1F

B1F

B2F

2F

3F

Building

Indoor unit

COLD

WARM

Heat pump

Retaining wall type

Subway

Pile type

Borehole type

Horizontal type

Heatcollection

Underground plaza

Heatcollection

Heating Heat pump(heating)

Stratum/Ground water(heat source)

Utilization Tips

Exceptional measures to use Dg2, Dg3 ground water

A map to show the depth and cost of drilling

Low cost monitoring after installation

▶

▶

▶

Summertime Wintertime



The Paris Agreement and its goal to substantially reduce

greenhouse gas emission by 2050 activated the use of renewal heat,

especially in Europe. Europe set its goal to achieve a 20% share of

renewable energy by 2020, issuing The Renewable Energy

Directive* in 2009, defining not only solar and geothermal heat, but

also non-fossil fuel, air, and water heat as renewable energy. As a

result, European nations are accelerating its use of absorption

chillers and compression heat pumps that operate on renewable

energy. Also, The Renewable Energy Directive** that was

re-issued in 2018 that aims to achieve a 32% share of renewable

energy by 2030 mentioned about the utilization of heat that are

secondarily generated at factories but are discarded without being

used.

NEDO has been focusing on this heat that is generated when

converting primary energy and so but are thrown away unused,

generally referred to as waste heat, calling it “unused thermal

energy (unused heat).” Unused heat is 60-70% of primary energy.

Utilization of unused heat is a big problem in Japan, since we

import 90% of primary energy, which adds up to 16 trillion yen (as

of 2019), while we aim to eliminate the substantial emission of

greenhouse gas by 2050.

Therefore, NEDO promotes the research and development of

epoch-making unused heat utilization technologies, such as absorp-

tion chillers and compression heat pumps, to realize a thorough

energy conservation and low carbon society by utilizing unused heat

through “Research and Development Project on Innovative Thermal

Management Materials and Technologies” (2015-2022). This

project developed a “single utility type double lift absorption

refrigerator” that is twice as efficient as traditional absorption

chillers, productized as “DXS” and installed in buildings and

factories by Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. Further-

more, this project also develops a high temperature heat pump

system that collects unused heat of 80-100 ℃ that is discharged

during industrial heating processes using a large amount of fossil-fu-

el-derived heat source, and supplies a 160-200℃ thermal liquid with

high efficiency (COP: over 3.5). The primary energy consumption

and CO₂ emission in Japan are expected to drop when these deriva-

tives widely spread with the use of renewable heat.

“DXS” - an absorption chiller that applied the developed technology

An ideal technology development support-

ed by the country raises the whole field

with its outcome. While renewable heat

plays a major role in realizing a carbon

neutral society, its scale of industry is not

very large. On the other hand, there were

20 NEDO projects related to this field

within five years since 2014, which is a big

number compared to the size of the field.

Some projects had multiple incorporated

themes, which means that a wide range of

issues were covered.

In order to actually improve the industrial

field of renewable energy through this

NEDO project that bore a lot of fruit, it is

essential to utilize the developed technolo-

gies in many areas. When the technology

is evaluated, we take the road to dissemi-

nation. Since renewable heat is not well

known, initial promotional activities,

including the publication of this brochure,

are very important.

For a long time, I have been taking part in

dissemination activities of geothermal

heat (ground source) , while I also help the

promotion of the current NEDO project to

reduce costs. Geo-Heat Promotion Associ-

ation of Japan and our member enterprises

participate in environment and energy

related exhibitions every year. We have a

relatively large booth with a NEDO

corner, where we post outcomes of their

technology development. In addition,

many companies in the field of geothermal

heat join the National Geo-Heat Forum

that started in 2019. There, the fruit of

technology development by NEDO are

productized, exhibited, and even has deals

concluded. The National Geo-Heat Forum

will continued to be held, so I hope people

use it as an opportunity to present the

result of their technology development.

NPO Geo-Heat Promotion Association of JapanChairperson

Sasada Masakatsu


by the Use of Renewable Heat

Utilization of Non-Utilized Heat

*EJ = 10¹⁸ joulesSource: Created by NEDO based on the 2019 Energy Demand and Supply (prompt report) by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

Ener

gy a

mou

nt (E

J*)

0

5

10

15

20

25

Primary energy supplyin Japan

After energy conversion (statistical final energy consumption)

Truly necessaryenergy amount

Renewable energy,water power, etc.

2.9EJ Unusedenergy

Loss (heat)

Loss (heat)

Power Heat,light, etc

Transportation3.0EJ

Public welfare3.9EJ

Industries6.0EJ

Natural gas.city gas4.3EJ

Coal4.9EJ

Petroleum7.1EJ

Conversion,transportation,and saving to

electricity, fuel, etc.

Re-conversion fromelectricity, fuel, etc.

30-40%

60-70%

Energy flow from primary energy supply to final consumption in Japan

MESSAGE

I Support the Dissemination of the Outcome

Subsidy Programs

Japanese national and local governments provide

subsidy for businesses that consider the use of renew-

able heat. Please take advantage of this, since there

are various programs including subsidy, loan, and tax

deduction. Associations in the following links will be

happy to hear from you.

NPO Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan

http://www.geohpaj.org[List of Subsidies] http://www.geohpaj.org/info/subsidy1

Outline of the project Brochure(Japanese only)

Book of Heat Pumps(Japanese only)

Japan Solar System Development Association (JSSDA)

https://www.ssda.or.jp[List of Subsidies]https://www.ssda.or.jp/service/assist/

Japan Woody Bioenergy Association

https://www.jwba.or.jp[List of Subsidies]https://www.jwba.or.jp/woody-biomass-guidebook/13/

* https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0028&from=EN** https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018L2001&from=EN

Each association searched for national and municipal subsidies and loans and compiled the information into the above list. Please conduct personal research for details.


https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP_100097.html

https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/100927351.pdf

https://www.nedo.go.jp/library/ZZDA_100015.html

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0028&from=EN

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018L2001&from=EN

The Paris Agreement and its goal to substantially reduce

greenhouse gas emission by 2050 activated the use of renewal heat,

especially in Europe. Europe set its goal to achieve a 20% share of

renewable energy by 2020, issuing The Renewable Energy

Directive* in 2009, defining not only solar and geothermal heat, but

also non-fossil fuel, air, and water heat as renewable energy. As a

result, European nations are accelerating its use of absorption

chillers and compression heat pumps that operate on renewable

energy. Also, The Renewable Energy Directive** that was

re-issued in 2018 that aims to achieve a 32% share of renewable

energy by 2030 mentioned about the utilization of heat that are

secondarily generated at factories but are discarded without being

used.

NEDO has been focusing on this heat that is generated when

converting primary energy and so but are thrown away unused,

generally referred to as waste heat, calling it “unused thermal

energy (unused heat).” Unused heat is 60-70% of primary energy.

Utilization of unused heat is a big problem in Japan, since we

import 90% of primary energy, which adds up to 16 trillion yen (as

of 2019), while we aim to eliminate the substantial emission of

greenhouse gas by 2050.

Therefore, NEDO promotes the research and development of

epoch-making unused heat utilization technologies, such as absorp-

tion chillers and compression heat pumps, to realize a thorough

energy conservation and low carbon society by utilizing unused heat

through “Research and Development Project on Innovative Thermal

Management Materials and Technologies” (2015-2022). This

project developed a “single utility type double lift absorption

refrigerator” that is twice as efficient as traditional absorption

chillers, productized as “DXS” and installed in buildings and

factories by Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. Further-

more, this project also develops a high temperature heat pump

system that collects unused heat of 80-100 ℃ that is discharged

during industrial heating processes using a large amount of fossil-fu-

el-derived heat source, and supplies a 160-200℃ thermal liquid with

high efficiency (COP: over 3.5). The primary energy consumption

and CO₂ emission in Japan are expected to drop when these deriva-

tives widely spread with the use of renewable heat.

“DXS” - an absorption chiller that applied the developed technology

An ideal technology development support-

ed by the country raises the whole field

with its outcome. While renewable heat

plays a major role in realizing a carbon

neutral society, its scale of industry is not

very large. On the other hand, there were

20 NEDO projects related to this field

within five years since 2014, which is a big

number compared to the size of the field.

Some projects had multiple incorporated

themes, which means that a wide range of

issues were covered.

In order to actually improve the industrial

field of renewable energy through this

NEDO project that bore a lot of fruit, it is

essential to utilize the developed technolo-

gies in many areas. When the technology

is evaluated, we take the road to dissemi-

nation. Since renewable heat is not well

known, initial promotional activities,

including the publication of this brochure,

are very important.

For a long time, I have been taking part in

dissemination activities of geothermal

heat (ground source) , while I also help the

promotion of the current NEDO project to

reduce costs. Geo-Heat Promotion Associ-

ation of Japan and our member enterprises

participate in environment and energy

related exhibitions every year. We have a

relatively large booth with a NEDO

corner, where we post outcomes of their

technology development. In addition,

many companies in the field of geothermal

heat join the National Geo-Heat Forum

that started in 2019. There, the fruit of

technology development by NEDO are

productized, exhibited, and even has deals

concluded. The National Geo-Heat Forum

will continued to be held, so I hope people

use it as an opportunity to present the

result of their technology development.

NPO Geo-Heat Promotion Association of JapanChairperson

Sasada Masakatsu


by the Use of Renewable Heat

Utilization of Non-Utilized Heat

*EJ = 10¹⁸ joulesSource: Created by NEDO based on the 2019 Energy Demand and Supply (prompt report) by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

Ener

gy a

mou

nt (E

J*)

0

5

10

15

20

25

Primary energy supplyin Japan

After energy conversion (statistical final energy consumption)

Truly necessaryenergy amount

Renewable energy,water power, etc.

2.9EJ Unusedenergy

Loss (heat)

Loss (heat)

Power Heat,light, etc

Transportation3.0EJ

Public welfare3.9EJ

Industries6.0EJ

Natural gas.city gas4.3EJ

Coal4.9EJ

Petroleum7.1EJ

Conversion,transportation,and saving to

electricity, fuel, etc.

Re-conversion fromelectricity, fuel, etc.

30-40%

60-70%

Energy flow from primary energy supply to final consumption in Japan

MESSAGE

I Support the Dissemination of the Outcome

Subsidy Programs

Japanese national and local governments provide

subsidy for businesses that consider the use of renew-

able heat. Please take advantage of this, since there

are various programs including subsidy, loan, and tax

deduction. Associations in the following links will be

happy to hear from you.

NPO Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan

http://www.geohpaj.org[List of Subsidies] http://www.geohpaj.org/info/subsidy1

Outline of the project Brochure(Japanese only)

Book of Heat Pumps(Japanese only)

Japan Solar System Development Association (JSSDA)

https://www.ssda.or.jp[List of Subsidies]https://www.ssda.or.jp/service/assist/

Japan Woody Bioenergy Association

https://www.jwba.or.jp[List of Subsidies]https://www.jwba.or.jp/woody-biomass-guidebook/13/

* https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0028&from=EN** https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018L2001&from=EN

Each association searched for national and municipal subsidies and loans and compiled the information into the above list. Please conduct personal research for details.


http://www.geohpaj.org/

http://www.geohpaj.org/info/subsidy1

http://www.geohpaj.org/

https://www.ssda.or.jp/

https://www.ssda.or.jp/service/assist/

https://www.ssda.or.jp/

https://www.jwba.or.jp/

https://www.jwba.or.jp/woody-biomass-guidebook/13/

https://www.jwba.or.jp/

September 2021

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization

New Energy technology Department

MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku

Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan

Tel.+81-44-520-5183　Fax.+81-44-520-5276https://www.nedo.go.jp


the new future of energy, realized by heat utilization

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