Japan:

JFE Venture Starts Geothermal Test Drilling in Northern Japan (Businessweek)

JFE Holding Inc.’s engineering unit and partners began test drilling for a 7 MWe geothermal power station in northern Japan.

A venture set up in 2011 between JFE Engineering Corp., Japan Metals & Chemicals Co. and JMC Geothermal Engineering Co. is conducting the test in Hachimantai city, Iwate prefecture, the companies said in a statement today.

With the start of test drilling, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. has decided to join the venture, according to the statement. Mitsui and JFE will each have a more than 33 percent stake. The rest will be split between the two other companies.