#Japan #Tokyo #Central Development #Mimori-Well #ATES

Launch of Next-Generation Groundwater Solutions: Mimori-Well

Central Development Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, recently unveiled its advanced groundwater solution brand, Mimori-Well. This initiative comes alongside the completion of a newly developed reverse drilling machine aimed at constructing high-performance wells for the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system.

To mark this milestone, the company conducted its first construction of heat source wells in the Kanto area, alongside a hands-on demonstration of the new drill machine in June 2026. Mimori-Well focuses on the comprehensive support for groundwater utilization, including research, design, implementation, operation, and coordination with governmental agencies to ensure efficient resource management while addressing issues such as land subsidence.

Groundwater as a Community Resource

Mimori-Well perceives groundwater as a vital public resource, promoting its effective use while contributing to various goals such as achieving a carbon-neutral society, mitigating urban heat islands, and securing water resources in times of disaster. The brand emphasizes both technological advancement and regional resilience, committing to a unified approach that spans research and social implementation.

The state-of-the-art reverse drilling machine, designated as ECO-GTR-2, stands as a foundational technology supporting the proliferation of ATES. It adopts a reverse circulation method that does not utilize bentonite, preserving the intrinsic permeability of aquifers while ensuring the construction of high-quality thermal energy wells. Moreover, it has been designed to address the unique geological challenges of Japan, enhancing drilling capabilities and construction efficiency while integrating ICT for construction management and data utilization.

Benefits of Mimori-Well

The impact of Mimori-Well revolves around several key areas:

• - High-Efficiency Heat Use: Outperforming traditional air heat source methods, Mimori-Well maximizes heat exchange efficiency.
• - Energy Savings and Carbon Reduction: It contributes to energy conservation and decarbonization by diminishing power consumption and CO₂ emissions.
• - Heat Island Mitigation: By reducing heat emissions into the atmosphere, it aids in alleviating urban heat island effects.
• - Disaster Resilience: In the event of water supply disruption due to disasters, underground water can serve as an emergency source, enhancing regional disaster prevention capabilities.

Background and Context

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for renewable energy utilization aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Within this context, technologies harnessing geothermal and groundwater heat have gained attention as solutions capable of balancing energy conservation with CO₂ reduction in heating and cooling sectors. Central Development Co., Ltd. has leveraged its expertise in groundwater to also engage in demonstration projects and technical development for ATES implementation.

The company has collaborated with various entities, including the City of Osaka, to conduct feasibility studies resulting in the accumulation of knowledge regarding groundwater extraction tests and environmental impact assessments. Additionally, it has participated in projects promoting groundwater and geothermal energy utilization spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment.

Through these initiatives, Central Development aims to broaden the social implementation of groundwater usage technologies with the launch of Mimori-Well.

Understanding ATES

ATES utilizes aquifers rich in groundwater as massive thermal energy reservoirs, capable of storing heat during cooling seasons and utilizing it for heating in winter (or vice versa). This method optimally capitalizes on the thermal energy present in groundwater, helping reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. It is also anticipated to alleviate urban heat island effects, with applications expanding across various sectors including office buildings, urban developments, and industrial facilities.

Upcoming Trends and Partnerships

Central Development looks to continue collaborating with governmental bodies, research institutions, and private enterprises to facilitate the expansion of ATES and advance groundwater utilization technologies. Ongoing partnerships with environmental agencies and local governments will reinforce sustainable groundwater usage frameworks and technological innovations.

With Mimori-Well, the company aims to enhance high-performance thermal energy well construction techniques, contributing to a decarbonized society and the strengthening of regional resilience through effective groundwater resource management.

About Central Development Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1946 as Japan's first ground consulting company, Central Development has been a pioneer in geotechnical investigation and has participated in significant infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally. As the company expands its competencies beyond civil engineering designs to include disaster prevention consulting using IoT technologies, it is actively promoting 'Geological DX'—a digital transformation strategy focused on innovation in the construction consulting industry. For more information, visit Central Development’s official website.