Hawaiian program for the confirmation and stimulation of geothermal resources development

Abstract

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii at Manoa has planned and is currently implementing a program designed to confirm and stimulate geothermal resources development in Hawaii. The program involves the drilling of approximately six 4,000 foot scientific observation core holes on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui, reservoir analysis research utilizing small diameter observation holes, and the expansion of the research capabilities at the Puna Geothermal Research Center. Funding of $3.25 million is provided by the State of Hawaii under the supervision of the Department of Business and Economic Development. Private developers of geothermal resources on Hawaii and other private sector sources are expected to raise an additional $5 million for reservoir analysis research and the drilling of two geothermal production wells. The program is expected to begin during the fall of 1988 and to be completed by mid 1990.