Lead Time of Geothermal Development

Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand

Abstract

Geothermal energy has many advantages and is promising renewable energy. However, the length of lead time is a high development risk among developers in Japan. This paper compares the geothermal development process and its timeframe among Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand. It is shown that a timeframe before environmental impact assessment (EIA) and a timeframe for EIA is shorter in Iceland and New Zealand. Developers in these two countries are supposed to coordinate their projects with fewer numbers of public entities compared to Japan. Also, public entities make various efforts before the project phase. It is strongly suggested that these factors shorten the length of lead time.