Beppu-based housing equipment company B-Flat is building a compound consisting of a geothermal power facility that makes use of a shuttered hot spring, a foot bath that utilizes hot water previously used to generate geothermal energy and a steam-heated greenhouse. The endeavor was selected by the national government as the pilot project for a new subsidy scheme to promote the understanding of geothermal energy. The hot spring, which is owned by B-Flat’s president, Takanari Ohira, used to be a bathing facility for local residents, but it closed 15 years ago. Ohira was searching for ways to use the 99 degree hot water vapor from the hot spring well for geothermal power generation. The 150 m2 compound will generate enough electricity to power 50 homes. The project will cost ¥100 million, with ¥30 million coming from the national subsidy and ¥70 million coming from Oita Venture Capital. It is slated for completion within the fiscal year. Nishinippon Shimbun, Aug. 20
