Hawaii proposed inter-island cable important for geothermal
Puna Geothermal Power Plant, Big Island, Hawaii (source: betterplace.com)
Alexander Richter
1 Jan 2014
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission plans public meetings on a proposed undersea cable transmission system that would connect Oahu and Maui and be an important initial step in the utilization of geothermal energy from the Big Island.
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is planning to hold public meetings in Maui in January 2014 on a planned undersea cable that would connect the transmission grid of Oahu and Maui.
The comission is looking for stakeholder input to see if the proposed connection is in the public interest. Of particular interest are policy issues, where the cable would be located and connected costs.
The transmission cable is seen as an important element in Hawaii’s push for renewable energy development and power generation. The now proposed grid connection could represent cost savings of $423 million for the general public over a 30-year period.
As reported the inter-island grid connection would also be an important initial step in utilizing geothermal energy from the Big Island, as it would involve connecting Maui to the Big Island.
Source: Biz Journals
