Promotion of Heat Pumps - A Historical Overview from 2001 to the 2020s

Promotion of Heat Pumps - A Historical Overview from 2001 to the 2020s

The utilization of geothermal heat pumps has been explored since 2001 as an environmental technology expected to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This technology utilizes the consistent underground temperature to efficiently provide heating and cooling, particularly in buildings and agricultural facilities.

Challenges and Developments in 2001
In 2001, the high initial cost was the most significant challenge. Installing underground heat exchangers required an average cost of 5 to 7 million yen per project, making it difficult for SMEs and individual households to adopt the technology. In Hokkaido and Tohoku, agricultural facilities introduced geothermal heat pumps, achieving a 20–30% reduction in fuel costs.

Developments in the 2010s
During the 2010s, the Ministry of the Environment initiated the "Geothermal Utilization Expansion Support Program," offering subsidies of up to 3 million yen per project. This led to increased adoption in public facilities and schools. In Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, the introduction of geothermal heat pumps in public libraries resulted in a 30% reduction in annual energy consumption and approximately 40 tons of CO2 emissions. Panasonic developed a residential geothermal heat pump costing less than 3 million yen, boosting its recognition in the housing market.

Material improvements also progressed. In 2015, the introduction of new brine liquids improved heat exchange efficiency by 10%. Installation costs decreased by approximately 20%, lowering project costs to 4 to 5 million yen.

Current Status and Prospects in the 2020s
In the 2020s, the introduction of geothermal heat pumps in agricultural greenhouses in Kitami City, Hokkaido, resulted in a 20% (approximately 30 tons) reduction in annual CO2 emissions and a 30% (approximately 2 million yen) reduction in fuel costs. In 2022, the Ministry of the Environment supported renewable energy promotion projects with a total budget of 5 billion yen. Major companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Daikin Industries developed systems with costs reduced to 3 to 4 million yen, accelerating nationwide adoption.

The adoption of high-performance brine liquid increased energy efficiency by 15%. In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Mitsui Fudosan's "Eco Residence" achieved a 50-ton annual CO2 reduction by adopting geothermal heat pumps. In Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the introduction of geothermal systems in public facilities saved 12 million yen in annual fuel costs and reduced CO2 emissions by 80 tons.

Future Challenges
Further policy support, such as increased subsidies and low-interest loans, is required. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism plans to establish geothermal heat pump standards for public buildings by 2025, aiming for adoption in over 20% of public facilities nationwide by 2030.