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According to the article, geothermal power is "largely untapped" (31%) as a power source in Hawaii.
Why? We're sitting on a volcano! Is it really cheaper to import oil to run generators to produce electricity?
http://www.punageothermalventure.com/PGV
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
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There are many reasons why it isn't being properly utilized.
The state owns all mineral rights and taxes the steam even though they inject it right back.
The state puts extra taxes on the geothermal plant that the oil based plants don't have to pay.
The state forced Helco to pay the geothermal company a rate equivalent to what oil based electricity costs.
Then, there are some local cultural issues with the steam being extracted.
Yes, it is sad.
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I voiced my frustration about the progress of geothermal in Puna when compared to Iceland. but a further research showed Iceland does obtain all their electricity from renewables though the breakdown is 13% geothermal and 87% hydro. Also it's a very small country- I think there's more people in Hawaii than in Iceland. So would those great scenic attractions on the Hamakua coast be more attractive if you "Hooverized" it? [
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Other people want to make friends- I just want to make money.
James Cramer
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Puna Geothermal currently has permits to double capacity. The problem is that Helco doesn't want the power. Recently faced with expanding Geo or refurbishing their WWII era oil plants, Helco chose to refurbish the oil burners.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Helco makes more money if they refurb their own plants and run them than to buy electricity from an outside source. Of course, if Helco had intelligent management, they would invest in geothermal, solar and wind on their own, to keep the money internal.
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It is my understanding that PGV is trying to negotiate with HELCO for an additional 8MW of electricity. They would use the brine byproduct to produce this power. In addition, this 8MW would not be tied to the price of oil. The current 30MW agreement is tried to the price of oil and won't expire until 2027.
PGV has the regulatory permits to produce UP TO 60MW of power.
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There is several IPP's (Independent Power Producers) that HELCO buys electrical power from:
Hamakua Energy Partners- 60mW
PGV- 30mW
Pakini Nui Wind Farm (Ka'u)- 21mW
