Since 2006, Kusatsu Town in Gunma Prefecture has utilized geothermal energy from hot spring residual heat, aiming to supply power to 8000 households annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 3500 tons. This 1MW plant, developed with Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association, the town government, and Mitsubishi Electric’s cooperation, was initiated with a budget of 1 billion yen. Given the significance of tourism in Kusatsu as a hot spring area, concerns arose over geothermal development affecting tourism. Thus, in the 2020s, ordinances were enacted to limit environmental impact, favoring small-scale geothermal projects. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) increased support for such efforts, positioning Kusatsu as a model for sustainable energy use in Japan. The integration of binary power generation technology, which efficiently uses low-temperature heat sources, is a balanced approach that respects both tourism and environmental preservation. Kusatsu’s initiatives now influence other regions, contributing to Japan’s energy self-sufficiency and environmental conservation.

Since 2006, Kusatsu Town in Gunma Prefecture has utilized geothermal energy from hot spring residual heat, aiming to supply power to 8000 households annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 3500 tons. This 1MW plant, developed with Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association, the town government, and Mitsubishi Electric's cooperation, was initiated with a budget of 1 billion yen. Given the significance of tourism in Kusatsu as a hot spring area, concerns arose over geothermal development affecting tourism. Thus, in the 2020s, ordinances were enacted to limit environmental impact, favoring small-scale geothermal projects. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) increased support for such efforts, positioning Kusatsu as a model for sustainable energy use in Japan. The integration of binary power generation technology, which efficiently uses low-temperature heat sources, is a balanced approach that respects both tourism and environmental preservation. Kusatsu's initiatives now influence other regions, contributing to Japan's energy self-sufficiency and environmental conservation.