Name of the Project
Anjo plant aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system.

Location
Japan’s Chubu region.

Project Owner/s
Manufacturer and distributor of automotive parts Aisan Industry Co.

Project Description
The project entails the construction of a large-scale aquifer thermal energy storage system, which uses groundwater as a heat source for heating and cooling, at Aisan’s new Anjo plant. The project will be the first practical application of an ATES system in the Chubu region.

The system will be used for air conditioning at the plant. 

The system uses gravel and groundwater stored in aquifers deep underground as an enormous heat storage tank, resulting in the effective use of energy by allowing for heat circulation throughout the year, such as using the cold waste heat from winter heating for summer cooling, and the warm waste heat from summer cooling for winter heating.

The heat pump-type centrifugal chiller to be used for this system has a cooling capacity of 234 refrigeration tons (823 kW) per unit, and can provide hot and cold water supply.

Compared to conventional air-conditioning systems, the adoption of high-efficiency centrifugal chillers, along with the use of control technologies, such as automatic switching of optimal operating modes, could reduce CO₂ emissions by about 50% 
a year.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
The ATES project is scheduled to start operations in the second half of 2025.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems (ATES system).

Contact Details for Project Information
Aisan Industry Co, tel +81 562471131.