Geothermal development in Hawaii

Abstract

The State of Hawaii started a geothermal exploration program, focused in the Kilauea East Rift Zone of the Island of Hawaii, in the late 1960's. The HGP-A well was completed in 1976 and a three megawatt wellhead generator plant went on line in 1982. But until recently, commercial geothermal activity had been slow. With the completion of a Statewide geothermal resources subzone designation program in late 1984, and consolidated permit and application process in 1988, the State has set the scenario for development. It is likely that 12.5 megawatts will be on line by the end of this decade and there is a reasonable prospect that 550 megawatts will be attained by the end of the century.