OREANDA-NEWS. Marubeni Corp. plans to conduct a geological survey as early as spring for a geothermal power generation project at Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido, a move facilitated by last spring's deregulation.

The trading house explained the survey Tuesday at a project meeting in Kamikawa, where the park is located. Town officials, representatives of local hot-spring resorts, and others gave their approval. Marubeni will now seek the Environment Ministry's permission to carry out the survey.

The survey will look at factors like underground conditions and heat sources over a year or two. After that, Marubeni will likely conduct test drilling to measure how much steam can be produced. An environmental assessment and other steps are also necessary. The procedures are expected to take at least eight years in all.

Japan is said to have abundant geothermal resources, thanks to its many volcanoes. In response to growing interest in renewable energy after the March 2011 earthquake, the government relaxed tight regulations on geothermal development in national parks. Marubeni is expected to become the first to conduct a survey for such a project.