On November 26, 2025, Mr. Shu Suzuki, Senior Associate of Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), participated as a panelist in the 3rd meeting of the FY2025 “Roundtable on Geothermal Heat, a Renewable Energy Source,” hosted by the Ministry of the Environment (MoE). The session, titled “The Role of Geothermal Heat in Medical Facilities,” focused on the potential for decarbonization and management improvement in the healthcare sector.

What is Geothermal Heat? A Clean Energy Source Beneath Our Feet

Geothermal heat (ground source heat) is a form of renewable thermal energy available right beneath us. At a depth of approximately 10 meters, the ground temperature remains constant year-round—cooler than the air in summer and warmer in winter. By utilizing this temperature difference, highly efficient heating and cooling can be achieved, contributing to energy savings, decarbonization, and the mitigation of the heat island effect. While “geothermal energy” typically refers to high-temperature heat from deep within the Earth used for power generation, “geothermal heat” refers to the relatively low-temperature heat (10–20°C) found at shallower depths (10 to several hundred meters), primarily derived from solar energy. Common application methods include Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems, such as “closed-loop” systems using underground heat exchange pipes and “open-loop” systems that directly utilize groundwater.

Significance and Challenges in Medical Facilities

Since FY2024, the MoE has been organizing this roundtable to promote the adoption of geothermal heat across various sectors. This third meeting specifically addressed medical facilities, which are characterized by high energy consumption. In a hospital setting, implementing high-efficiency geothermal systems is expected to not only reduce running costs but also provide a stable and comfortable indoor environment for patients.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Suzuki highlighted several key points from a healthcare policy perspective:

• Balancing Management and Decarbonization: The importance of cost reduction in hospital management and the creation of sustainable business models through renewable energy.
• Enhancing the Care Environment: How stable and efficient climate control impacts patient comfort and health outcomes.
• Barriers to Adoption: The necessity of public support and the sharing of best practices to address challenges such as high initial investment costs.

For more details, please visit FY2025 “Roundtable on Geothermal Heat, a Renewable Energy Source” | Ministry of the Environment (in Japanese). HGPI will continue to promote policy recommendations for sustainable healthcare systems through the lens of Planetary Health, where health and environmental issues intersect.