2026年 3Month11On [date], Associate Professor Motoaki Morita received the Japan Iron and Steel Institute Academic Commemorative Award (Shiraishi Memorial Award).

【Winner】
Motoaki Morita, Associate Professor (Department of Marine Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology)

[Title of award-winning research]
Research and development on scaling and corrosion of steel surfaces occurring in geothermal power plants

[Summary of the award]
Since 2013, Associate Professor Morita has been continuously working at this university to elucidate the mechanism of scale formation on steel surfaces at geothermal power plants and to develop technologies for its prevention and suppression. By analyzing the interaction between geothermal fluids and the surface properties of steel, he has accumulated knowledge that forms the basis for scale-resistant steel and surface modification technologies, and has also contributed to industrial applications.
Furthermore, in national projects of NEDO and JOGMEC, I have led research as a principal investigator or institutional representative, contributing to the development of geothermal utilization technology. In particular, I established a unique method for reproducing and precipitating materials with a structure similar to that of scale deposited at geothermal power plants in the laboratory, contributing to the advancement of the effective utilization of geothermal fluids.
Furthermore, our research has enabled us to evaluate the precipitation rate of silica-based scales and the corrosion rate of steel materials under high temperature, high pressure, and high salt concentration environments, leading to research results that contribute to the long-term stable operation of geothermal power generation facilities and the reduction of maintenance costs.
These achievements have culminated in numerous published papers and patent acquisitions, and are highly regarded for their contribution to the widespread adoption of geothermal power as a renewable energy source and the realization of a carbon-neutral society. In recognition of these achievements, the researcher received the Academic Commemorative Award (Shiraishi Memorial Award) from the Iron and Steel Institute of Japan.

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