A Pacific-wide geothermal research laboratory : The Puna Geothermal Research Facility

Abstract

The Hawaii Geothermal Project (HGP-A) well, located in the Kilauea volcano east rift zone, was drilled to a depth of 6,450 feet in 1976. It is considered to be one of the hottest producing geothermal wells in the world. This single well provides 52,800 pounds per hour of 371 Fahrenheit and 160 pounds per square inch-absolute (psia) steam to a 3-megawatt power plant, while the separated brine is discharged in percolating ponds. About 50,000 pounds per hour of 368 Fahrenheit and 155 psia brine is discharged. Geothermal energy development has increased steadily in Hawaii since the completion of HGP-A in 1976: a 3 megawatt power plant at HGP-A was completed and has been operating since 1981; Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has requested that their next increment in power production be from geothermal steam; three development consortia are actively, or in the process of, drilling geothermal exploration wells on the Big Island; and engineering work on the development of a 400 megawatt undersea cable for energy transmission is continuing, with exploratory discussions being initiated on other alternatives such as hydrogen. The purpose for establishing the Puna Geothermal Research Facility (PGRF) is multi-fold. PGRF will provide a facility in Puna for high technology research, development, and demonstration in geothermal and related activities; initiate an industrial park development; and examine multi purpose dehydration and biomass applications related to geothermal energy utilization.