Geothermal Energy Technology Advances (Kusatsu Town, Gunma; Olkaria, Kenya; Landau, Germany; Iceland) - 2020s

Geothermal Energy Technology Advances (Kusatsu Town, Gunma; Olkaria, Kenya; Landau, Germany; Iceland) - 2020s

In the 2020s, the use of geothermal energy has expanded in various countries, with technology adapted to regional characteristics being introduced. Initiatives to achieve sustainable energy supply while coexisting with tourism are progressing, and models from regions like Kusatsu Town are attracting attention.

### Kusatsu Town, Gunma (Japan)
Kusatsu Town, a leading hot spring tourist destination in Japan, places high importance on preserving hot spring resources and maintaining tourism. In Kusatsu, only small-scale geothermal power generation with minimal impact on hot springs is encouraged under local ordinances, and large-scale development is avoided. As of 2020, the total output of geothermal power plants in Japan reached 555 MWe, generating 2409 GWh annually. Kusatsu's approach is evaluated as a model case for geothermal utilization that coexists with regional tourism.

### Olkaria (Kenya)
The Olkaria geothermal power plant, operated by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), integrates geothermal energy use with local tourism. In addition to generating 400 MWe, Olkaria supplies steam to Oserian Development Company, enabling an additional 4 MWe. Olkaria plays a crucial role in Kenya's electricity supply, benefiting the regional economy. KenGen is also expanding with new geothermal wells, ensuring sustainable energy supply closely connected to the community.

### Landau (Germany)
Germany's Landau geothermal project, initiated in 2007, has evolved in the 2020s. It utilizes a low-temperature source of 160°C from a depth of 3300 m, generating a stable 3 MWe. This project is recognized as a model case of sustainable low-temperature geothermal energy. Germany encourages the use of low-temperature geothermal in regions where energy self-sufficiency is challenging, with Landau advancing efficiency through binary cycle power generation technology.

### Iceland
In Iceland, geothermal energy accounts for nearly 90% of electricity supply, with supercritical geothermal technology trialed in the Hverahlíð area. This technology enables efficient extraction of substantial energy under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, serving as a model for other countries. The Icelandic government continues to invest in technology development and infrastructure to further promote geothermal energy.

### Summary
Since the 2020s, sustainable geothermal energy utilization, adapted to regional characteristics like that in Kusatsu Town, has been expanding globally. The efforts in Kusatsu to coexist with tourism share common challenges with areas such as Olkaria in Kenya, Landau in Germany, and Hverahlíð in Iceland. These geothermal energy models contribute to both energy self-sufficiency and environmental conservation, offering successful examples of sustainable energy supply that benefit local economies.