by: Max Rodriguez
In the race to meet the state's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, the Hawaii State's Energy Office will embark on a new venture by searching for geothermal energy sources throughout the state.
The Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick said they are preparing to begin exploring on Maui this year.
"In addition to having plenty of sun, you know plenty of wind, which are intermittent resources we do have geothermal resources," said Glick. "For me, it's a real priority for this office to better understand how far we can go with geothermal."
Glick said they are gearing up to begin exploring geothermal sources throughout the state, $5 million from COVID federal relief monies have been appropriated to conduct slim hole drilling, and the state said Maui Island shows promising signs.
Glick said, "We're looking at very seriously at Maui island for that, there certainly are locations along the rift zone that may be very applicable for that."
Currently, the Puna Geothermal Venture is the only commercial power plant of its kind in the state. The plant recently restarted operations after the 2018 volcanic eruption. The plant also got approval from the Public Utilities Commission to increase its energy output to 46 megawatts, which will be eight megawatts more than what it currently produces.
The Puna Geothermal Venture Hawaii Affairs Director Mike Kaleikini said in order to increase production the plant will replace its 12 power-generating units with three new modern units.
Kaleikini said, "It's less rotating equipment so there will be less noise generation. There's less piping compared to the 12 units so there's less potential for upset or a flange or piping leak."
Back in 2013, the EPA found accidental chemical releases at the Puna Geothermal Venture facility, Kaleikini said they have taken steps to regain the community's trust.
Kaleikini said, "Outreach is important so it's something we are going to stop or ignore."
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