How do young people view geothermal energy? Introducing the thoughts of students paving the way for the future

The theme of the competition was “Improving Awareness and Acceptance of Geothermal Energy in Japanese Local Communities.” Students were divided into 22 teams and engaged in discussions on regional challenges and the economic impact of geothermal energy. Presentation videos were submitted in advance, and four teams were selected to present on the day of the event. In the final round, one team, which conducted field visits to potential geothermal sites and engaged in dialogue with local residents, was declared the winner after presenting a feasible plan.

＊For details on the event, please refer to our previous article.

In geothermal energy projects, understanding and engaging with local stakeholders is crucial. We considered the dual benefits of green transformation and regional revitalization, and discussed with students how these could contribute to community development. Here, we would like to introduce some of the students’ thoughts.

How did your views and perspectives on renewable geothermal energy change after participating in this competition? Also, what are your thoughts on Japan’s geothermal energy projects?

• “I had never had the opportunity to think about geothermal energy before, but through this project, I gained new knowledge.” (Student A, Winning Team)
• “We visited Kagoshima Prefecture and spoke with people at a tea factory. I was impressed by their efforts to reduce environmental impact and their extensive use of clean energy. I felt that expanding and raising environmental awareness is a challenge we need to address.” (Student B, Winning Team)
• “This event broadened my knowledge and perspectives on geothermal energy. I realized that by leveraging this knowledge, new possibilities can emerge.” (Student C, Winning Team)
• “Japan has potential for geothermal energy, but there are challenges in its utilization. I understood that many geothermal resources are located in national parks, making development difficult from an environmental protection standpoint. To advance renewable energy, we need to think of new solutions from different perspectives.” (Student D)
• “I was indifferent to geothermal energy before, but after learning about the data and figures, I found it fascinating to study sustainable businesses and tackle difficult challenges. As environmental issues become more serious, I believe that utilizing renewable energy is crucial. I want to be more involved in environmentally conscious initiatives in the future.” (Students E and F)
• “I felt that thinking from different ideas and perspectives is important to accelerate innovation.” (Student G)

Listening to the voices of the next generation of students, who will play a central role in our society, is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Baseload Power Japan will continue to engage with regional stakeholders, promote geothermal energy, and nurture future leaders. Our goal is to increase understanding of geothermal power, which has nearly zero CO2 emissions and can generate sustainable energy, and to promote the use of renewable energy for harmony between people and the planet.